SHEET METAL WORKER
Fabricates and installs ductwork, roofing, gutters, and architectural metal. The unseen trade that makes HVAC actually work. Oregon is not a right-to-work state — union density is higher than average and prevailing wage rules cover most public 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 Oregon: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with Oregon Building Codes Division — License Holder Search. Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in Oregon. 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 |
Oregon is NOT a right-to-work state. Union scale in Oregon's major metros typically runs 20–40% above the national median. Prevailing wage laws apply to most public-sector projects.
The Path.
Oregon is a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) state — it administers its own apprenticeship programs separately from the federal RAPIDS system. Contact the state labor department directly or visit apprenticeship.gov and filter by state.
- · 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. Oregon may adopt different code editions than adjacent states. Confirm the specific code edition before purchasing prep materials. Prevailing wage requirements in Oregon apply to most public-sector projects, which ties exam and licensure to wage scale compliance for contractors.
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 Many licensing boards do not publish them.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.