3806 - Sheet Metal Mechanic

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This occupation covers nonsupervisory jobs involved in the repair, fabrication, modification, and installation of sheet metal parts, items, and assemblies. Sheet metal mechanic work requires knowledge of the physical properties and working characteristics of sheet metal, knowledge of tools and equipment required in the sheet metal trade, and knowledge of shop mathematics and principles. Sheet metal work requires skill and knowledge in: using shop mathematics to determine curves, angles, and pitch; planning and making pattern and template layouts; using measuring instruments; operating shop tools and equipment to construct manufactured items and systems with various seams; and working with various kinds of metal, including magnesium, honeycomb material, galvanized and black iron, aluminum and aluminum alloys, stainless steel, copper and brass sheets, lead alloys, and bronze.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the METAL WORK FAMILY, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 3802 - Metal Forging
  • 3808 - Boilermaking
  • 3809 - Mobile Equipment Metal Mechanic
  • 3820 - Shipfitting
  • 3858 - Metal Tank and Radiator Repairing
  • 3869 - Metal Forming Machine Operating
  • 3872 - Metal Tube Making, Installing, and Repairing

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Welder (CW) In DemandIs In Demand American Welding Society (AWS) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) In DemandIs In Demand American Welding Society (AWS) someSome    
Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) In DemandIs In Demand American Welding Society (AWS) someSome    
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) In DemandIs In Demand American Welding Society (AWS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Measurement, Materials, and Safety Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Drill Press Skills I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Metalforming Skills - Level I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) Is Not In Demand American Welding Society (AWS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Screw Machining Level II - Operate with Single Spindles II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther    
Screw Machining Level II - Operate with Multiple Spindles II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther    
Screw Machining Level III - Setup & Operate with Single Spindles II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther    
Screw Machining Level III - Setup & Operate with Multiple Spindles III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther    
Slide Forming Level II - Slide Forming Operations II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther    
Slide Forming Level III - Slide Forming Setup & Operation II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther    
Press Brake Level II - CNC Punch (Turret) Press Level II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Press Brake Level III - Set Up and Operate Non-CNC Mechanical III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Press Brake Level II - Operate Non-CNC Drive Press Brake Skills II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Press Brake Level III - Set Up and Operate CNC Drive III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) someSome    
Stamping Level III - Parts Inspection and Quality Control Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level III - Setup Single Hit Tooling III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level III - Setup with Compound Dies III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level III - Setup with Progressive Dies III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level III - Setup with Deep Draw Dies III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level III - Setup with Transfer Dies III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level II - Operate Single Hit Tooling II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level II - Operate with Compound Dies II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level II - Operate with Progressive Dies II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level II - Operate with Deep Draw Dies II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Stamping Level II - Operate with Transfer Dies II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost    
Machining Level II - Drill Press Skills II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Turning Operations: Turning Chucking Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - CNC Turning: Programming Setup & Operations Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - CNC Turning: Operations Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level II - Cylindrical Grinding Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) otherOther    
Precision Sheet Metal Operator (PSMO) Is Not In Demand The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) mostMost    
Aerospace/Aircraft Assembly (AAA) Is Not In Demand National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) mostMost    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 3806 - Sheet Metal Mechanic. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Automotive Body and Related Repairers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Sheet Metal Workers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Solderers and Brazers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Welder (CW) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 6 months

The American Welding Society (AWS), Certified Welder (CW) is a performance-based certification with no prerequisite courses or certifications required. The CW program tests welders on procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal and chemical refinery welding industries. There is a provision to test to a company-supplied or non-code welding specification. Tests for CW are performed at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities located throughout the world and are performance based. Final certification will provide candidates with a "transferrable" credential.

Click here to go to Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Not Renewable

The American Welding Society (AWS), Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) is an entry-level credential for individuals who perform welding quality control and quality assurance activities. Individuals who earn the CAWI work in every industry that uses welding as a core process in the manufacture, construction, or fabrication of their products. Those holidng the CAWI perform welding inspections under the active supervision of Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI) and Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI). CAWI candidates must meet experiential requirements and pass an exam.

Click here to go to Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Welding Society (AWS), Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certification is an advanced-level credential for supervisory or managerial welding quality control and quality assurance professionals. SCWIs work in every industry that uses welding as a core process in the manufacture, construction, or fabrication of their products. SCWIs supervise others and are responsible for directing and performing operations to ensure that all welding-related activities meet applicable requirements. SCWIs work in every industry that uses welding as a core process in the manufacture, construction, or fabrication of their products. SCWIs know which factors influence welding quality; how to oversee welders to ensure higher-quality work; and the complementary factors that help maximize productivity. SCWIs must meet experiential requirements and pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a mid-level certification. The Certified Welding Inspector certification is more than a rewarding career. It involves great responsibility and remarkable skill demonstration. A thorough knowledge of the complete fabrication and welding process is a must. The CWI is widely recognized, both nationally and internationally, and successful companies have come to rely on this AWS certification when ensuring the highest level of quality workmanship. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience with a high school diploma and pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Machining Level I - Measurement, Materials, and Safety Skills COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level I - Measurement, Materials, and Safety Skills certification is an entry-level machinist credential. Applicants are not required to have any minimal education, experience or training, however passing the exam is required.

Click here to go to Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout Skills COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS), Machining Level I certification is an entry-level machinist credential. Level I credentials identify and recognize machinists with the requisite skills required of a machinist who can perform machining tasks that involve job planning, benchwork, and layout work. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and a written examination. The performance assessment includes manufacturing a part, setting-up and operating a machine, and writing a program.

Click here to go to Machining Level I - Drill Press Skills I COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part.  There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area.  Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements.  One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).

Click here to go to Metalforming Skills - Level I COOL Snapshot page.

The NIMS Metalforming Skills - Level I certification is an entry-level machinist certification. Achieving a NIMS credential is a means through which an individual involved or interested in metalforming can prove their abilities to themselves, to their instructors or employers and to the customer.

Click here to go to Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Welding Society (AWS), Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) certification is an advanced-level welding credential. CWSs work in every industry that uses welding as a core process in the manufacture, construction, or fabrication of their products. CWSs must know which factors influence welding quality; how to oversee welders to ensure higher-quality work; and the complementary factors that help maximize productivity.

Click here to go to Press Brake Level II - CNC Punch (Turret) Press Level II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Press Brake Level III - Set Up and Operate Non-CNC Mechanical III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Press Brake Level II - Operate Non-CNC Drive Press Brake Skills II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Press Brake Level III - Set Up and Operate CNC Drive III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level III - Parts Inspection and Quality Control COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level III - Setup Single Hit Tooling III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level III - Setup with Compound Dies III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level III - Setup with Progressive Dies III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level III - Setup with Deep Draw Dies III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level III - Setup with Transfer Dies III COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Stamping Level II - Operate Single Hit Tooling II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level II - Operate with Compound Dies II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level II - Operate with Progressive Dies II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level II - Operate with Deep Draw Dies II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Stamping Level II - Operate with Transfer Dies II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Machining Level II - Drill Press Skills II COOL Snapshot page.

Machining Level II - Drill Press Skills II. Level II machining skills are used by skilled tradespersons who have achieved proficiency in the core competencies of Machining Skills Level I and have advanced to higher levels of technical competency or have developed new competencies. The general areas of competency remain: bench skills, metal cutting skills, inspection and quality assurance skills. Level II machining skills apply to both single-part and multiple-part production. A person who has achieved Level II machining skills competency has no direct supervision responsibilities for other operators or production workers. However, people who have achieved Level II competence will occasionally provide training for beginning machining technicians. Candidates must complete a performance evaluation.

Click here to go to Precision Sheet Metal Operator (PSMO) COOL Snapshot page.

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), Precision Sheet Metal Operator (PSMO) certification is an intermediate-level credential for professional sheet metal technicians. PSMOs shear, saw, laser cut, operate press brakes, operate turret punch presses, and complete mechanical finishing.

Click here to go to Aerospace/Aircraft Assembly (AAA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Sheet Metal Workers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Sheet Metal Workers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Solderers and Brazers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Solderers and Brazers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders