Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace sheet metal workers?AI replacement risk 11% and how the work is changing

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$61,800
25th–75th pct. $47,830–$81,610
Top pay (est.)
$137,300
Top 10% $105,650
Pay in 5 years
$72,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$84,800est.
$72,900–$98,500
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
11%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.5%
9,800 openings / yr

Will AI replace Sheet Metal Workers? AI replacement risk

11%
Very low
Ranked #43 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Sheet Metal Workers

Key skills

Coordination
3.1
Mathematics
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Time Management
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Equipment Maintenance
2.9
Troubleshooting
2.9
Operation and Control
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
5.0
Building and Construction
4.3
Mathematics
3.8
Design
3.7
Engineering and Technology
3.4
Administration and Management
3.4
Computers and Electronics
3.2
Education and Training
3.0

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCoaching and Developing Others

Important abilities

VisualizationNear VisionStatic StrengthControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationTrunk Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma
49%
Post-secondary certificate
44%
Less than high school
7%

Training before entry

4–10 years
19%
Up to 1 month
18%
2–4 years
16%
Over 10 years
12%
6–12 months
11%
None / short demo
9%
1–2 years
9%
1–3 months
5%
3–6 months
2%

Related work experience

None
47%
Over 10 years
16%
6–12 months
16%
2–4 years
7%
4–6 years
7%
8–10 years
7%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.