Painters (Construction & Maintenance) vs Sheet Metal Workers
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both painting and sheet metal work offer solid blue-collar careers with steady 5%+ growth over the next decade. Sheet metal workers earn a median $60,850 versus painters at $48,660 — that's a $12,190 difference favoring sheet metal. Painters focus on applying coatings to structures, buildings, and bridges, requiring 2-4 years of training including EPA lead-safe certification. Sheet metal workers fabricate and install HVAC components and ductwork through more intensive 4-5 year SMWIA apprenticeships. Both trades offer good job security, but sheet metal work typically provides higher earning potential and more technical specialization opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
Sheet metal workers have a clear salary advantage with median pay of $60,850 versus painters at $48,660. Entry-level painters start around $35,000, reaching $75,000+ with experience and specialization. Sheet metal workers begin near $40,000 but can earn $85,000+ as journeymen, with master craftsmen reaching six figures. Both trades offer overtime opportunities, but sheet metal workers typically see more premium pay for emergency HVAC repairs and specialized industrial work. Commercial painting contractors and those handling hazmat removal can command painter premium rates.
Work Environment
Painters work both indoors and outdoors, often on ladders, scaffolding, or lifts, exposed to weather and chemical fumes. The work involves repetitive motions and requires good color vision. Sheet metal workers primarily work indoors in mechanical rooms, crawl spaces, and construction sites, handling sharp materials and heavy equipment. Both face safety risks — painters from falls and toxic exposure, sheet metal workers from cuts and confined spaces. Sheet metal work tends to be more predictable scheduling, while painting is more weather-dependent with seasonal fluctuations.
Career Growth
Sheet metal workers typically have clearer advancement paths through SMWIA union structures, progressing from apprentice to journeyman to foreman or superintendent. Specializations include HVAC installation, industrial fabrication, and architectural metalwork. Many start their own HVAC contracting businesses. Painters can specialize in commercial, industrial, or decorative work, with opportunities in restoration and hazmat removal. Both trades offer business ownership potential, but sheet metal workers often have higher-value service contracts and more recurring maintenance work, leading to stronger earning ceilings long-term.
Who should choose Painters (Construction & Maintenance)?
Choose painting if you enjoy visible transformational work and prefer variety in job sites and projects. You're detail-oriented with good color sense and don't mind weather exposure. Painting suits those who want faster entry into the field, prefer less technical complexity, and value the artistic aspects of the trade. It's ideal if you're comfortable working independently and want flexibility in specializing toward residential, commercial, or decorative work without extensive mechanical aptitude requirements.
Typical path: Apprenticeship or on-the-job training; EPA lead-safe certification for pre-1978 buildings
Explore Painters (Construction & Maintenance) →Who should choose Sheet Metal Workers?
Choose sheet metal work if you're mechanically inclined and enjoy precision fabrication and problem-solving. You should be comfortable with technical drawings, measurements, and working with your hands on complex HVAC systems. This trade suits those wanting higher earning potential, more structured career advancement through union apprenticeships, and year-round indoor work. It's perfect if you're detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and interested in the growing HVAC industry with strong job security and business ownership opportunities.
Typical path: SMWIA apprenticeship; combines classroom and on-the-job training
Explore Sheet Metal Workers →The Bottom Line
Both are solid careers with steady growth. Choose painting for faster entry and creative variety, or sheet metal work for higher pay and technical advancement. Sheet metal offers better long-term earning potential, while painting provides quicker workforce entry.