HVAC Technician vs Sheet Metal Worker: Salary, Training & Career Comparison
Trying to decide between a career as an hvac technician or a sheet metal worker? Here's a side-by-side look at the numbers that matter most: pay, job outlook, training requirements, and more.
| Category | ❄️ HVAC Technician | 🛠️ Sheet Metal Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Median Hourly | $25/hr | $27/hr |
| Median Annual | $52,000/yr | $56,200/yr |
| Job Growth (10-yr) | 6.0% | 4.0% |
| Total Jobs | 394,100 | 141,200 |
| Training Time | 4-5 years | 5 years |
| Top-Paying State | New York ($67,100/yr) | Hawaii ($75,000/yr) |
| Union Rate | $32/hr (SMART) | $35/hr (SMART) |
Salary Comparison
HVAC Technicians earn about $3,800/yr more on average
Which Career Is Right for You?
Both hvac technicians and sheet metal workers are solid career paths with good earning potential and strong job security. The best choice depends on your interests, physical abilities, and lifestyle preferences.
❄️ Choose HVAC Technician if...
HVAC techs install and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Demand spikes in summer and winter, and skilled techs can earn solid overtime pay.
HVAC Technician salary data →🛠️ Choose Sheet Metal Worker if...
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding, and other metal products on construction sites. The trade combines shop fabrication with on-site installation and offers strong union wages.
Sheet Metal Worker salary data →Training difference: Sheet metal apprenticeship is 5 years vs 4-5 for HVAC
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sheet Metal Workers earn a slightly higher national median of $56,200/yr compared to $52,000/yr for hvac technicians.
HVAC Technician jobs are projected to grow at 6.0% over the next decade, compared to 4.0% for sheet metal workers.
Sheet metal apprenticeship is 5 years vs 4-5 for HVAC. Both paths require dedication and hands-on training, but the length and structure differ.
While some skills transfer between trades, switching typically requires additional training and licensing. That said, the foundational skills -- problem solving, working with tools, reading blueprints -- are valuable in any trade. Some workers complete training in multiple trades over their career.