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Hourly Wage for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic make hourly?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic in the United States is $20, which translates to an annual salary of about $41,000.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $23 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $18 to $21 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $17 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salaries

An Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Sheetmetal Mechanics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $45,400.
  • California: $45,200.
  • Massachusetts: $44,600.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanics

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $51,700
  • San Francisco: $51,100
  • Oakland: $50,000

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 4.3% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 3.2% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
  • Quality Checks (Mentioned in 1.9% Job Postings): Quality Check is the intensive review in the quality matters to test, inspect, or ask questions in order to find out the highest level of accuracy possible.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 4.3%
Hydraulics 3.2%
Quality Checks 1.9%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's salary.

  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Installation: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Analytical Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Commitment $45,510
11%
Installation $45,100
10%
Analytical Skills $45,100
10%
Get Latest Data

Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $45,873. While startup companies pay approximate $38,852.

Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $38,852
Growth Stage 51~500 $41,074
Established 501~5000 $44,310
Enterprise 5000+ $45,873

Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic positions in Transportation or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$57,400$28.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$53,300$26.030%
Software & Networking$51,250$25.025%
Chemicals$49,200$24.020%
Healthcare$47,150$23.015%

How Education impacts an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Sheetmetal Mechanics enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic with a No Diploma is between $36,000 and $39,134).

Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 15.4%
High School 53.8%
Associates 23.1%
Bachelors 7.7%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$37,600
Average $41,000/year
$44,100
$3,133
Average $3,417/month
$3,675
$723
Average $788/week
$848
$18
Average $20/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $44,100 $3,675 $848 $21
Average $41,000 $3,417 $788 $20
25th Percentile $37,600 $3,133 $723 $18

Most common benefits for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic

Here are companies hiring for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Is sheet metal working a good trade?

Sheet metal working is a highly desirable trade, offering unique skill sets and solid earning potential. Entry-level positions start with a minimum salary of $37,400, while the mid-range salary is around $42,200, and experienced professionals can earn up to $49,800. This makes it a rewarding career choice for those interested in the field.

3. How much do local 9 sheet metal workers get paid?

Local 9 sheet metal workers earn between $37,400 and $49,800 annually, with a mid-salary of $42,200. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $17.95 to $23.99, with the average being around $20.27. Benefits may also be included, enhancing the overall compensation package.

4. Do sheet metal workers get paid good?

Sheet metal workers can earn a decent salary. For entry-level positions, salaries range from a minimum of $37,400 to a mid-level of $42,200, with the maximum reaching $49,800. While these figures may vary, they indicate that sheet metal work can provide a stable income, especially as experience increases.

5. How much does local 7 sheet metal pay per hour?

Local 7 Sheet Metal Workers in the United States offer salaries for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanics ranging from approximately $37,400 to $49,800 annually. This translates to an hourly wage between about $17.95 and $23.98, depending on experience and specific job roles within the organization.

6. Is metal work profitable?

Metalworking can be quite profitable, with entry-level sheet metal mechanics earning between $37,400 and $49,800 annually, depending on experience and skill level. The demand for precision-crafted metal products is growing, as industries seek durable and customized solutions, making this field a promising career choice.

7. How many hours do sheet metal workers work?

Sheet metal workers typically work between 8 to 12 hours a day. Their salary ranges from $37,400 to $49,800, with a median salary of $42,200. This reflects the demanding nature of the job, which often requires extended hours to meet project deadlines.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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