As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced in the United States is $51,550 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered HR
A Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced'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 a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced'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 |
| Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced | 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 Sheet Metal Worker - Experienceds. 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
|
$54,643 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,643 |
6%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$54,643 |
6%
|
|
SOP
|
$54,643 |
6%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$54,128 |
5%
|
|
Programming
|
$54,128 |
5%
|
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 $57,726. While startup companies pay approximate $48,879.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $48,879 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $51,677 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $55,762 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $57,726 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $72,170 | $35.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $67,015 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $61,860 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,736 | $28.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $56,705 | $27.0 | 10% |
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
| 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 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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $51,600 | 0% |
| General Machinist III | $65,800 | 28% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator II | $62,800 | 22% |
Salaries for a Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced 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 Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Sheet Metal Worker - Experienced roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
