As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic in the United States is $51,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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 Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 2.54% |
| Work Ethic | 3.21% |
| Machine Operation | 1.63% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$54,696 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,696 |
6%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$54,696 |
6%
|
|
SOP
|
$54,696 |
6%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$54,180 |
5%
|
|
Programming
|
$54,180 |
5%
|
Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,782. While startup companies pay approximate $48,926.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $48,926 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $51,727 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $55,816 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $57,782 |
For Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 113% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic positions in Transportation or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $72,240 | $35.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $67,080 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $61,920 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,792 | $28.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $56,760 | $27.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic with a No Diploma is between $47,594 and $51,785).
Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 63.6% |
| High School | 63.6% |
| Associates | 27.3% |
| Bachelors | 9.1% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator III | $56,700 | 10% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $51,600 | 0% |
| General Machinist III | $65,800 | 28% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator II | $62,800 | 22% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,067 in 2023 to around $42,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Sheet metal workers typically work 8 hours a day, with some averaging between 8 to 12 hours daily. The salary for an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic ranges from $45,800 to $61,000, with a midpoint of $52,200, reflecting the skills and experience required in this trade.
Local 20 sheet metal workers earn a salary range of approximately $45,800 to $61,000, with a median salary around $52,200. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the skills and expertise required for the role.
Being a sheet metal worker involves fabricating and installing metal products using various tools, which can be physically demanding and carries risks of injury. Extensive safety training is required, including 30 hours of OSHA training. Salaries for Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanics range from $45,800 to $61,000, with a median salary of $52,200.
The trade of an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic offers competitive salaries, with a minimum salary of $45,800, a mid-range salary of $52,200, and a maximum salary reaching $61,000. This makes it a lucrative option for those skilled in this field, reflecting the demand for their expertise in various industries.
A sheet metal worker is often referred to as a sheet metal mechanic. They are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, install, and repair sheet metal products. The salary for an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic typically ranges from $45,800 to $61,000, with a median salary of around $52,200, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their skills in various industries.
While some specialized mechanics can earn high salaries, the average salary for an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic ranges from $45,800 to $61,000 annually, with a midpoint of $52,200. Achieving a salary of $200,000 per year is uncommon in this field, as it typically requires advanced skills or positions in high-demand areas.
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