Best institutions to study Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.
18 U.S. institutions graduated 415 Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 48.0506, a specialization of Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05), and leads most directly to the Sheet Metal Workers occupation (BLS SOC 47-2211).
About Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking program prepares individuals to apply technical skills in the precision production of sheet metal products. Students learn to form, shape, bend, and fold extruded metals using various hand tools and machines. This program is ideal for those interested in a hands-on career in metalworking and fabrication, focusing on practical applications in construction and manufacturing.
Core coursework in this program covers essential skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics. Students gain knowledge in mechanical systems, building and construction, and design, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges of the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years280 graduates / yr · 10 institutions68%
- Associate's degree79 graduates / yr · 8 institutions19%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year53 graduates / yr · 4 institutions13%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.7%
Graduates over time
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 359 |
| 2013 | 405 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2015 | 225 |
| 2016 | 252 |
| 2017 | 244 |
| 2018 | 383 |
| 2019 | 358 |
| 2020 | 314 |
| 2021 | 279 |
| 2022 | 319 |
| 2023 | 389 |
| 2024 | 386 |
| 2025 | 415 |
Top 18 institutions for Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 139 | 56% | — | — |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 109 | 40% | — | $41,767 |
| 3 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 46 | 37% | — | — |
| 4 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 25% | — | — |
| 5 | Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 24 | 24% | — | — |
| 6 | Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 15 | 40% | — | $50,842 |
| 7 | Honolulu Community College Honolulu, HIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 25% | — | — |
| 8 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 30% | — | — |
| 9 | Chabot College Hayward, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 47% | — | — |
| 10 | Modesto Junior College Modesto, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 30% | — | — |
| 11 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 3 | 34% | — | $24,327 |
| 12 | Bates Technical College Tacoma, WAPublicAssociate's | 3 | 43% | — | — |
| 13 | Bakersfield College Bakersfield, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 21% | — | — |
| 14 | Montana State University Billings Billings, MTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 30% | — | $41,875 |
| 15 | Marion Technical College Marion, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 31% | — | — |
| 16 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KSPublicAssociate's | 1 | 43% | — | $30,515 |
| 17 | Macomb Community College Warren, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 18% | — | — |
| 18 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NVPublicAssociate's | 1 | 19% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Precision Metal Working field (CIP 48.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 13 states
Where Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking graduates come from. Each state links to all Precision Metal Working programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 6 | 211 | Foothill College139 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 109 | Ivy Tech Community College109 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 31 | Milwaukee Area Technical College31 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 24 | Community College of Allegheny County24 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 15 | Saint Paul College15 / yr |
| Hawaii | 1 | 12 | Honolulu Community College12 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 3 | Hillsborough College3 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 3 | Bates Technical College3 / yr |
| Montana | 1 | 2 | Montana State University Billings2 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 2 | Marion Technical College2 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 1 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology1 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 1 | Macomb Community College1 / yr |
| Nevada | 1 | 1 | College of Southern Nevada1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 47-2211, Sheet Metal Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking program can pursue careers as Sheet Metal Workers and other related occupations. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 2.4% and approximately 10,600 annual openings. The median wage for this field is $60,850, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 48.0506
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sheet Metal Workersprimary SOC 47-2211 | $61,800 | +2.4% About as fast as average | ~10,600 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4031 | $46,330 | -12.1% Decline | ~14,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4023 | $50,140 | -8.3% Decline | ~1,900 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4061 | $63,340 | -18.2% Decline | ~300 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4062 | $58,000 | -24.4% Decline | ~100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- 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.
- Hire, train, or supervise new employees or apprentices.
Tools and technology used
Other Precision Metal Working specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05).
- Welding Technology/CIP 48.0508
Welder 64,198 graduates / yr911 institutions - Machine Tool Technology/CIP 48.0501
Machinist 3,489 graduates / yr228 institutions - Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CIP 48.0510
CNC Machinist 2,248 graduates / yr166 institutions - Machine Shop Technology/CIP 48.0503
Assistant 1,542 graduates / yr87 institutions - Metal FabricatorCIP 48.0511588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Tool and Die Technology/CIP 48.0507
Technician 423 graduates / yr35 institutions - Precision Metal WorkingCIP 48.0599296 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Ironworking/CIP 48.0509
Ironworker limited data102 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What types of jobs can I get with this degree?+
You can work as a Sheet Metal Worker or in related roles such as machine setters and operators.
How long does it take to complete this program?+
The program typically awards credentials ranging from 12 weeks to 2 years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and mechanical knowledge.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.4%.
What is the CIP code for Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking?+
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking is CIP 48.0506 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.
How many institutions offer Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking programs?+
18 U.S. institutions reported Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 13 states, awarding 415 credentials in the year. That is 0.6% of all Precision Metal Working graduates.
How much do Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Sheet Metal Workers occupation, which Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,800 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Precision Metal Working field report median earnings of $41,767 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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