SOC 47-2211
Sheet Metal Workers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ50/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ117,470
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$61K
$38K โ $103K
Projected Growth
๐+2.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค22/100
Low exposure
๐ก Sheet Metal Workers face a risk score of 50/100 โ 6 points above the national average of 44. With only 22/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $61K ($15K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 50/100, Sheet Metal Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like bim-integrated automated progress tracking are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 117,470 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in physical work in confined or elevated spaces and adapting to unique building configurations on-site to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Sheet Metal Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
BIM-integrated automated progress tracking
3D printing of building components
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Physical work in confined or elevated spaces
Adapting to unique building configurations on-site
Client-facing consultation on custom project needs
Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.
Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.
Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.
Install assemblies, such as flashing, pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, or downspouts in supportive frameworks.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Computer aided design CAD software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Operating system software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Building and Construction
Mathematics
Design
English Language
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 65% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 81% |
| Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers | 33 | $79K | 79% |