Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
Total graduates
79
2025 · 8 schools
International share
0.0%
0 international students
Overview
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking is a specialized field within manufacturing and engineering that focuses on the design, fabrication, and assembly of metal components. This discipline primarily deals with thin sheets of metal, which are manipulated into desired shapes through various processes such as cutting, bending, and welding.
Students pursuing a degree or certificate in Sheet Metal Technology will gain hands-on experience with tools and machinery used in the fabrication process, including laser cutters, CNC machines, and press brakes. The curriculum typically covers essential topics such as blueprint reading, material properties, and safety practices in the workplace.
One of the critical aspects of this field is surface finishing, which involves treating metal surfaces to enhance their appearance, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Techniques such as painting, plating, and anodizing are commonly taught, as they are vital for producing high-quality finished products.
Graduates from Sheet Metal Technology programs can find employment in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC. Career opportunities may include positions as sheet metal workers, fabricators, or shop supervisors. Additionally, the skills acquired in this field are transferable, allowing graduates to pursue roles in related areas such as welding or manufacturing management.
Overall, Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking is a dynamic and essential field that combines technical skills with creativity, offering a pathway to rewarding careers in the manufacturing sector.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 5% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.0%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 8 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Ivy Tech Community College | Indiana | 60 | 0 |
| — | Long Beach City College | California | 6 | 0 |
| — | Foothill College | California | 4 | 0 |
| — | Bates Technical College | Washington | 3 | 0 |
| — | American River College | California | 2 | 0 |
| — | Saint Paul College | Minnesota | 2 | 0 |
| — | Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | Kansas | 1 | 0 |
| — | College of Southern Nevada | Nevada | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 171,200 | $23.28 | $48,430 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | 119,770 | $32.62 | $67,850 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 25,250 | $25.59 | $53,220 |
| Model Makers, Metal and Plastic | 2,610 | $32.97 | $68,570 |
| Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | 1,470 | $29.14 | $60,610 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.