Sheet Metal Workers
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 471 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 11% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction or assembly of sheet metal products.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Inspect individual parts, assemblies, or installations, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, scales, or micrometers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Very similar work+5% pay3,557 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 5% more—$79,594 vs your $75,758 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Near Vision
- Visualization
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Installation
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Very similar work+33% pay101 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 33% more—$100,692 vs your $75,758 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Mathematics
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
New skills to build
- Static Strength
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Very similar work+26% pay240 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 26% more—$95,116 vs your $75,758 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Visualization
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Static Strength
- Gross Body Equilibrium
- Dynamic Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Arm-Hand Steadiness