Becoming a sheet metal worker in Salinas, CA, typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with an average salary of $21.23 per hour, equating to approximately $44,200 annually for experienced professionals. Apprentices in Salinas earn an average of $736.67 per week, with an annual overtime average of $1,866. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like the Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union 83 help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
