Career comparison
Roofer 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. $55,440), while roofers usually get to work faster (3–12 months on the job of training). Roofers install, repair and replace the roofs that keep buildings dry and protected. 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 | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $55,440 ($26.65/hr) | $61,800 ($29.71/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,460 – $81,720 | $38,630 – $105,650 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.3% (faster than average) | +2.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 12,000 | 9,800 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–12 months on the job | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | Apprenticeship completion |
| Work setting | Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial roofs in heat, cold and wind. | Sheet metal workers split time between fabrication shops and construction sites. |
What each job does
Roofer
- Tear off old roofing and inspect the roof deck
- Replace damaged sheathing and install underlayment
- Install flashing around chimneys, vents and valleys
- Lay shingles, metal panels, tile or membrane roofing
- Seal seams and penetrations to prevent leaks
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 if…
- I’m comfortable working on rooftops and ladders
- I like hard physical work outdoors
- I don’t mind heat and changing weather
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 fit quiz and the Sheet Metal Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, roofer or sheet metal worker?
Sheet Metal Workers earn more at the median: $61,800 versus $55,440 for roofers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roofers typically train faster (3–12 months on the job) than sheet metal workers (4–5 years (apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects roofers to grow +5.3% from 2025–35, compared with +2.5% for sheet metal workers.