Across U.S. metros, sheet metal workers typically earn $5,305 more a year than carpenters (9%). In the 273 metros where BLS publishes both, carpenters earn more in 93 and sheet metal workers in 179.
| Carpenter | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $56,155 | $61,460 |
| Lowest metro median | $29,750 | $28,340 |
| Highest metro median | $95,280 | $109,830 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.9% | +2.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 62,800 | 9,800 |
| Self-employed | 25% | 8% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 165 | 163 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 273 |
On safety, carpenters report more injuries that cause missed work (165 vs. 163 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where carpenters out-earn sheet metal workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where sheet metal workers out-earn carpenters the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, carpenters earn more in 15 states and sheet metal workers in 35. The gap favors carpenters most in Nevada ($15,650) and sheet metal workers most in New Jersey ($28,830).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: often for carpenters, occasionally for sheet metal workers. Working at heights: often for carpenters, occasionally for sheet metal workers.
| Carpenter | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Occasionally |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Often | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Carpenter
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
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