As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheetmetal Mechanic I in the United States is $40,919 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Sheetmetal Mechanic I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $51,541 |
| Sheetmetal Mechanic III | 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 Sheetmetal Mechanic Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.3% |
| Hydraulics | 3.2% |
| Quality Checks | 1.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$45,420 |
11%
|
|
Installation
|
$45,011 |
10%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$45,011 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$44,193 |
8%
|
|
CNC
|
$43,783 |
7%
|
|
Programming
|
$43,374 |
6%
|
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 $45,821. While startup companies pay approximate $38,799.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $38,799 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $41,020 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $44,262 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $45,821 |
For Sheetmetal Mechanic I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Sheetmetal Mechanic positions in Transportation or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sheetmetal Mechanic I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,287 | $28.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $53,195 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $51,149 | $25.0 | 25% |
| Chemicals | $49,103 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $47,057 | $23.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sheetmetal Mechanic Is 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 Sheetmetal Mechanic I with a No Diploma is between $37,035 and $40,054).
Sheetmetal Mechanic I Salaries by Degree Level
| 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Sheetmetal Mechanic I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Extrusion Operator, Sr. | $54,584 | 33% |
| Injection Molding Machine Operator II | $48,508 | 19% |
| Machine Operator II | $45,474 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Operator II | $46,865 | 15% |
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 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Sheetmetal Mechanic I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Sheetmetal Mechanic I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Sheetmetal Mechanic I is $51,611.
The highest pay for Sheetmetal Mechanic I is $46,904.
The lowest pay for Sheetmetal Mechanic I is $34,462.
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.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Sheetmetal Mechanic I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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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