SHEET METAL WORKER
Fabricates and installs ductwork, roofing, gutters, and architectural metal. The unseen trade that makes HVAC actually work. Arkansas is a right-to-work state — union density is lower than the national average, but licensed tradespeople still command solid wages on prevailing wage projects.
The License.
Most states issue a journeyman license (allows you to work under a licensed contractor) and a separate master or contractor license (allows you to pull permits and run your own business). The journeyman license typically requires completing your apprenticeship and passing a written exam; the master/contractor license requires additional field hours — usually 2 years as a journeyman — and a separate exam.
Requirements in Arkansas: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with Arkansas Dept. of Labor — HVAC-R Division. Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in Arkansas. BLS metro-level data was not available for this combination. National medians shown below.
| Stage | Hourly range | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 apprentice | $17–$25/hr | $34,000 – $50,000 |
| Journeyman scale | $34–$54/hr | $68,000 – $108,000 |
| BLS national median | — | $58,780 |
| BLS top 10% | — | $95,450 |
Arkansas is a right-to-work state. Union scale in major Arkansas metros typically runs 10–20% above the national median on public projects with prevailing wage requirements; non-union pay can run 15–30% below union scale on private work.
The Path.
In Arkansas, apprenticeships are administered through the federal RAPIDS system via the U.S. Department of Labor. To find registered programs, go to apprenticeship.gov and filter by state. Most joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) also accept direct applications.
- · SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation)
The Exam.
Licensing exams for sheet metal worker work typically cover the applicable mechanical code (IMC or state-specific), plumbing code (IPC or UPC depending on the state), and material standards. Arkansas may adopt different code editions than adjacent states. Confirm the specific code edition before purchasing prep materials. Note: prevailing wage rules in Arkansas apply primarily to public projects — private-sector jobs in this right-to-work state are exempt.
Be honest about pass rates. Many licensing boards do not publish them. When they do, first-time pass rates for journeyman exams in the trades typically run 50–75%. Preparation time varies — most serious candidates spend 60–120 hours on exam prep. Use code books from the correct edition, not what's currently in print.
What recruiters won't tell you.
- 01Cuts. The trade is named after the material that cuts you. Wear gloves.
- 02Non-union 'sheet metal' jobs are sometimes glorified general labor. Confirm trade scope.
- 03Sheet metal lung disease (siderosis) and hearing loss are documented risks. PPE matters.