Fabricates and installs the ductwork and metal parts that move air through buildings.
You cut and fold sheet metal into ducts in the shop, then hang them from the ceiling of a new office building.
Apprenticeship, about 5 years after high school. 4-5 year SMART union or contractor apprenticeship, paid.
Ways in: Apprenticeship, Trade school. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Sheet Metal Apprenticeship.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. CNC plasma and robotic duct lines automate shop fabrication; installing ductwork in the field stays hands-on.
Classes: Algebra, Geometry, Metal shop or welding CTE, Drafting.
Official data: O*NET occupation 47-2211.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.