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Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salary in the United States

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced in the United States is $51,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,934
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,470 to $56,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,836
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salaries

A Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced'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 Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced 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 Sheet Metal Worker - Experienceds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $57,090.
  • California: $56,870.
  • Massachusetts: $56,110.

Top Paying Cities for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienceds

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: $65,030
  • San Francisco: $64,320
  • Oakland: $62,960

What Skills Can Increase a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 2.54% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 3.21% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
  • Machine Operation (Mentioned in 1.63% Job Postings): Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 2.54%
Work Ethic 3.21%
Machine Operation 1.63%
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 a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced's salary.

  • Standard Operating Procedures: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Standard Operating Procedures $54,654
6%
Leadership $54,654
6%
Decision Making $54,654
6%
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Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,689. While startup companies pay approximate $48,858.

Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $48,858
Growth Stage 51~500 $51,653
Established 501~5000 $55,722
Enterprise 5000+ $57,689

Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced 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, Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced positions in Transportation or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$72,184$35.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$67,028$32.030%
Aerospace & Defense$61,872$30.020%
Pharmaceuticals$57,747$28.012%
Construction$56,716$27.010%

How Education impacts a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sheet Metal Worker - Experienceds 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 a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced with a No Diploma is between $47,536 and $51,744).

Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced
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%
View as Graph

Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced'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
$46,470
Average $51,560/year
$56,990
$3,873
Average $4,297/month
$4,749
$894
Average $992/week
$1,096
$22
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,990 $4,749 $1,096 $27
Average $51,560 $4,297 $992 $25
25th Percentile $46,470 $3,873 $894 $22

Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced Salary Growth & Career Path

Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced, 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 $51,700 0%
General Machinist III $65,800 28%
CNC Laser Machine Operator III $62,800 22%

Most common benefits for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced

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

Common company salaries for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced

Here are companies hiring for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

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

Local 9 sheet metal workers earn between $45,800 and $60,970 annually, with a mid-salary of $52,120. In addition to competitive wages, they receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health care, pension, vacation pay, and 401k, bringing the total value of their compensation to over $120,000 a year.

3. How much do local 20 sheet metal workers make?

Local 20 sheet metal workers earn between $45,800 and $60,970 annually, with an average salary of approximately $52,120. This reflects the skilled nature of the work and is competitive within the industry.

4. How much do local 7 sheet metal workers make?

Local 7 Sheet Metal Workers in the United States earn between $45,800 and $60,970 annually, with a median salary of approximately $52,120. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from about $22.00 to $29.30, depending on experience and specific job roles within the trade.

5. What is a sheet metal worker called?

A sheet metal worker is often referred to as a Fabricator or Plater, especially when working with heavy sheet metal. Experienced sheet metal workers can expect salaries ranging from $45,800 to $60,970, with a median salary of approximately $52,120.

6. Is a sheet metal worker the same as a welder?

Welding and sheet metal fabrication are distinct processes, though often confused. Welding is a component of metal fabrication, which encompasses various techniques, including cutting and shaping metal sheets. Experienced sheet metal workers earn between $45,800 and $60,970, with a median salary of $52,120, reflecting their specialized skills in the industry.

7. What is the highest paid sheet metal worker?

The highest-paid sheet metal workers earn up to $60,970, with experienced workers typically making between $45,800 and $52,120. This reflects a competitive salary range in the industry, highlighting the value of experience and skill in this trade.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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