Career comparison
Roofer Helper vs. Sheet Metal Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Sheet metal workers earn more at the median ($61,800 vs. $44,160), while roofer helpers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Roofer helpers tear off old roofs, carry materials and help roofers install new roofs. Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding and other products made from sheet metal.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Roofer Helper | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $44,160 ($21.23/hr) | $61,800 ($29.71/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $30,140 – $62,400 | $38,630 – $105,650 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.1% (little or no change) | +2.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 9,800 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few weeks on the job | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | Fall protection training | Apprenticeship completion |
| Work setting | Helpers work on roofs outdoors.. | Sheet metal workers split time between fabrication shops and construction sites. |
What each job does
Roofer Helper
- Tear off old roofing
- Carry materials
- Load debris
- Clean up nails
- Install underlayment
Sheet Metal Worker
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose roofer helper if…
- I don’t mind heights
- I’m strong
- I like outdoor work
Choose sheet metal worker if…
- I’m good at visualizing 3D shapes
- I like working with metal and tools
- I enjoy math and measuring
Still torn? Take the Roofer Helper fit quiz and the Sheet Metal Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, roofer helper or sheet metal worker?
Sheet Metal Workers earn more at the median: $61,800 versus $44,160 for roofer helpers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roofer Helpers typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than sheet metal workers (4–5 years (apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects sheet metal workers to grow +2.5% from 2025–35, compared with -0.1% for roofer helpers.