As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Sheetmetal Mechanic I in the United States is $20, which translates to an annual salary of about $40,919.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Sheetmetal Mechanic I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $44,052 | $3,671 | $847 | $21 |
| Average | $40,919 | $3,410 | $787 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,539 | $3,128 | $722 | $18 |
A Sheetmetal Mechanic I'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 Sheetmetal Mechanic I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheetmetal Mechanic I | 0-1 years | $40,919 |
| Sheetmetal Mechanic II | 1-3 years | $51,548 |
| Sheetmetal Mechanic III | 3-5 years | $58,140 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.3% |
| Hydraulics | 3.2% |
| Quality Checks | 1.9% |
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 Sheetmetal Mechanic I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | $45,420 | |
| Installation | $45,011 | |
| Analytical Skills | $45,011 |
Sheetmetal Mechanic I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $45,866. While startup companies pay approximate $38,849.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $38,849 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $41,071 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $44,305 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $45,866 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sheetmetal Mechanic I enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Sheetmetal Mechanic I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $39,695 and $42,636.
| Typical Education for Sheetmetal Mechanic I | |
|---|---|
| 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 a Sheetmetal Mechanic I'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 | $44,052 | $3,671 | $847 | $21 |
| Average | $40,919 | $3,410 | $787 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,539 | $3,128 | $722 | $18 |
Salaries for a Sheetmetal Mechanic I 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 Sheetmetal Mechanic I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Sets up and operates machines such as drill presses, punch presses, saws, shears, bending rolls, brakes, grinders, and numerical control equipment to shape and alter sheetmetal according to specifications. Follows blueprints, rough sketches, or engineer drawings to shape metal accurately. Uses hand and power tools to shape, cut, and smooth metal and to blend seams. May set up and operate soldering and welding equipment. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically requires a Sheetmetal Apprenticeship. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Planning: An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
Hydraulics: Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
Quality Checks: Quality Check is the intensive review in the quality matters to test, inspect, or ask questions in order to find out the highest level of accuracy possible.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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