Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Sheet Metal Worker
What sheet metal workers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Pick up fabricated duct sections at the shop and review the mechanical drawings. From there, the day usually includes read blueprints and shop drawings, lay out and cut sheet metal patterns, and bend and form metal with brakes and rollers. Most work full-time on day shifts. Construction deadlines can bring overtime.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a sheet metal worker working full time.
- Pick up fabricated duct sections at the shop and review the mechanical drawings.
- Lay out hanger locations and drill anchors in the ceiling of a new office floor.
- Lift and connect rectangular duct sections with a duct jack.
- Install a branch takeoff and flexible duct to diffusers.
- Seal joints with mastic to meet leakage requirements.
- Coordinate with plumbers and electricians on a clash with a sprinkler line.
- Update the foreman on progress and clean the work area.
Where sheet metal workers work
Sheet metal workers split time between fabrication shops and construction sites. Installation involves ladders, lifts and overhead work, and shops are noisy with heavy machinery.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time on day shifts. Construction deadlines can bring overtime.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read blueprints and shop drawings
- Lay out and cut sheet metal patterns
- Bend and form metal with brakes and rollers
- Join seams with lock seams, rivets, screws and welds
- Install ductwork, hangers and supports
- Seal and insulate duct systems
- Install roofing, flashing, gutters and architectural metal
Tools you’ll use every day
- Brakes, shears and rollers
- Plasma cutters and CNC fabrication tables
- Hand seamers, snips and crimpers
- Rivet guns and screw guns
- Welding equipment
- Duct jacks and lifts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Paid apprenticeships with good benefits
- Mix of shop and field work
- Ties to the growing HVAC industry
- Skills in drafting, welding and fabrication
What’s hard
- Cuts from sharp metal
- Overhead work and heavy lifting
- Noisy shops and job sites
- Work tied to construction cycles
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m good at visualizing 3D shapes
- I like working with metal and tools
- I enjoy math and measuring
- I want a paid apprenticeship
- I’m comfortable on ladders and lifts
- I like a mix of shop and field work
Not sure? Take the free Sheet Metal Worker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear cut-resistant gloves and handle metal edges carefully
- Use hearing and eye protection around machinery
- Follow ladder, lift and fall protection rules
- Lock out machines before clearing jams or changing tooling