Sheet Metal Technology Degree

In its most basic definition, a Sheet Metal Technician will have the know-how and hands-on experience to fold, shape, bend, curl, expanding, decamber, hem, hydroform, iron, laser cut, punch, spin, and form extruded metals to modify existing products or make new products. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer sheet metal technology degrees.

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Rock Valley College

401 S State Street, Chicago, IL

Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois, opened its doors in 1965 with the goal of providing local students an education to rival the university experience. With over 100 degree and certification programs, a Rock Valley education will set you on the path toward future success in the work force or your pursuit of even higher education! An innovator among community colleges, Rock Valley offers students 21^st-century options to expedite learning. The Afternoon College is an accelerated eight-week program of study.  RVC students can log on to iTunes University and access professors’ lectures. The school simply understands that our rapidly-changing society demands innovative educational strategies, and Rock Valley is keeping up with the times.

In an effort to encourage development of well-rounded students, Rock Valley College offers extracurricular activities in the arts, academics, health and fitness, and much more.

Students interested in attending RVC should contact the Rock Valley admissions office. Tuition is affordable and financial aid is available to help eligible students in certain programs defray educational costs. Rock Valley is a solid choice for students who are looking for a progressive education in an environment that understands the demands of 21^st-century life.

Career Options for Graduates

Sheet Metal Workers

Description

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.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, sheet metal workers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $37.14
  • Average Annual Salary: $77250
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 260
  • Average Hourly Rate: $28.39
  • Average Annual Salary: $59050
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 120
  • Average Hourly Rate: $31.89
  • Average Annual Salary: $66340

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Description

Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -13.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 430
  • Average Hourly Rate: $16.44
  • Average Annual Salary: $34190
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $27.52
  • Average Annual Salary: $57240
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Average Hourly Rate: $16.57
  • Average Annual Salary: $34460

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Description

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -20.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 5
  • Average Hourly Rate: $16.49
  • Average Annual Salary: $34290
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 540
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.07
  • Average Annual Salary: $35500
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 700
  • Average Hourly Rate: $14.44
  • Average Annual Salary: $30040

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Description

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, model makers, metal and plastic employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -21.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 170
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.85
  • Average Annual Salary: $47520

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).