As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic in California is $56,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,900 | $5,242 | $1,210 | $30 |
| Average | $56,900 | $4,742 | $1,094 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,300 | $4,275 | $987 | $25 |
FEAM Aero - Los Angeles, CA
Tyonek Native Corporation - San Diego, CA
Global Medical Response Inc - Riverside, CA
Patient Transport Systems, Inc - HALIFAX, VA
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, 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 | $45,134 |
| Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic | 1-3 years | $56,850 |
| Senior Sheetmetal Mechanic | 3-5 years | $64,116 |
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:
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:
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 $63,717. While startup companies pay approximate $53,952.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,952 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $57,040 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $61,549 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $63,717 |
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 | $79,660 | $38.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $73,970 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $68,280 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $63,728 | $31.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $62,590 | $30.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $62,900 | $5,242 | $1,210 | $30 |
| Average | $56,900 | $4,742 | $1,094 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,300 | $4,275 | $987 | $25 |
Promotions 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 | $62,500 | 10% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $57,000 | 0% |
| General Machinist III | $72,600 | 28% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator II | $69,200 | 22% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Intermediate Sheetmetal Mechanic job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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