Sheet Metal Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Sheet Metal Technology is a precision-focused discipline that equips learners with the technical expertise to transform raw metal sheets into functional components and structures. This program emphasizes hands-on mastery of fabrication techniques, enabling graduates to design, produce, and assemble complex metal products across industrial and construction sectors.
- Sheet Metal Forming Techniques: Mastery of methods to manipulate metal sheets through bending, rolling, and shaping using specialized machinery and manual tools.
- Tool and Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating industrial tools such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, squaring shears, and press brakes for accurate metal processing.
- Product Design and Fabrication: Application of technical principles to develop new metal components, ensuring dimensional accuracy and structural integrity.
- Material Science Fundamentals: Understanding the properties and behavior of extruded metals, including aluminum, steel, and copper, to optimize fabrication outcomes.
- Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing: Ability to interpret engineering schematics, specifications, and layout diagrams to guide fabrication processes.
- Joining and Assembly Methods: Skill in welding, riveting, soldering, and fastening techniques to securely assemble fabricated metal parts.
Sheet Metal Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Sheet Metal Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Sheet Metal Technology degrees, including Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, Sheet Metal Workers and Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 319,050 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Makers, Metal and Plastic 51-4061 | $62,700 | $38,430 - $95,780 | 3,230 | $30.14 |
| Sheet Metal Workers 47-2211 | $60,850 | $38,030 - $102,680 | 117,470 | $29.26 |
| Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic 51-4062 | $54,540 | $39,150 - $79,690 | 1,570 | $26.22 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4023 | $48,630 | $37,090 - $67,500 | 22,350 | $23.38 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4031 | $45,590 | $35,000 - $62,650 | 174,430 | $21.92 |
Sheet Metal Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $43,380 in Mississippi to $91,540 in Hawaii—a 111% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, District of Columbia, and Illinois. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 319,050 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Sheet Metal Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Sheet Metal Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Sheet Metal Technology is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (169 graduates), Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) (46 graduates), American River College (ARC) (36 graduates), Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) (32 graduates), and Bates Technical College (21 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 386 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
169 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
46 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| American River College (ARC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
36 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Other Award
|
32 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Bates Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Tacoma, Washington | Public | batestech.edu |
| Honolulu Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | honolulu.hawaii.edu |
| Palomar College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | San Marcos, California | Public | www2.palomar.edu |
| Saint Paul College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Long Beach City College (LBCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Long Beach, California | Public | lbcc.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College (MLEC & TC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
8 | Miami Lakes, Florida | Public | miamilakes.edu |
| Bakersfield College (BC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Bakersfield, California | Public | bakersfieldcollege.edu |
| Foothill College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Los Altos Hills, California | Public | foothill.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
1 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Billings, Montana | Public | msubillings.edu |
| College of Southern Nevada (CSN) |
Associate's
|
1 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | csn.edu |
| Columbia Basin College (CBC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Pasco, Washington | Public | columbiabasin.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sheet Metal Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Sheet Metal Technology degree?
Salaries for Sheet Metal Technology graduates vary by role and location. Model Makers, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $62,700 annually, while Sheet Metal Workers earn around $60,850. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $91,540 compared to $43,380 in Mississippi. Approximately 319,050 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Sheet Metal Technology programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Sheet Metal Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (169 graduates), Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) (46 graduates), and American River College (ARC) (36 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Sheet Metal Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 430 in 2010 to 386 in 2023-24. This represents a 10% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Sheet Metal Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, Sheet Metal Workers, and Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic. Related occupations employ approximately 319,050 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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