by our College Data Analytics TeamSheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking was the 1,079 most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 279 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 12.5% reduction in sheet metal tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 314.
This year's Best Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking Schools ranking compares 1 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom sheet metal tech rankings further below.
When studying Sheet Metal Tech, you’ll learn that watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly will help you be successful in a wide range of jobs. Controlling operations of equipment or systems and monitoring assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action are all required skills for careers related to this major.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most sheet metal tech degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic sheet metal technology/sheetworking program qualifications, to serve in some sheet metal tech careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different sheet metal tech degree levels. You can get anything from a in sheet metal technology/sheetworking to the highest sheet metal tech degree, a . Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to sheet metal tech, with approximately 5.8% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to sheet metal tech tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 58.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 15.6% |
| Some College Courses | 11.8% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 10.5% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 4.3% |
See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in sheet metal technology/sheetworking have received.
The education level required is different depending on the sheet metal tech career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your sheet metal tech degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to sheet metal technology/sheetworking.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Metal and Plastic Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 175,900 | -8.7% |
| Sheet Metal Workers | 150,900 | 8.6% |
| Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 25,300 | -12.8% |
| Metal and Plastic Model Makers | 5,500 | -12.7% |
| Metal and Plastic Patternmakers | 2,900 | -14.7% |
As you might expect, salaries for sheet metal tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for sheet metal technology/sheetworking graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers sheet metal tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Metal and Plastic Model Makers | $56,920 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $52,710 |
| Metal and Plastic Patternmakers | $47,130 |
| Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $40,790 |
| Metal and Plastic Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $36,180 |
With over 55 different sheet metal tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased sheet metal tech school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Precision Metal Working area of study, Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder | 42,490 |
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist | 3,285 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist | 2,689 |
| Machine Shop Technology/Assistant | 1,921 |
| Tool & Die Technology/Technician | 584 |
