As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic in the United States is $41,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic | 0-1 years | $40,919 |
| Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic | 1-3 years | $51,541 |
| Senior Sheetmetal Mechanic | 3-5 years | $58,129 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.3% |
| Hydraulics | 3.2% |
| Quality Checks | 1.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$45,510 |
11%
|
|
Installation
|
$45,100 |
10%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$45,100 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$44,280 |
8%
|
|
CNC
|
$43,870 |
7%
|
|
Programming
|
$43,460 |
6%
|
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 $45,912. While startup companies pay approximate $38,876.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $38,876 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $41,101 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $44,350 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $45,912 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,400 | $28.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $53,300 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $51,250 | $25.0 | 25% |
| Chemicals | $49,200 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $47,150 | $23.0 | 15% |
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
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extruder Operator II | $54,600 | 33% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $48,600 | 19% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $46,900 | 14% |
Salaries for an Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Sheetmetal Mechanic roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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