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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheet Metal Apprentice in California is $55,152 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Sheet Metal Apprentice's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Sheet Metal Apprentice Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,743 | $5,062 | $1,168 | $29 |
| Average | $55,152 | $4,596 | $1,061 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,174 | $4,098 | $946 | $24 |
Melton Sheet Metal - Fresno, CA
Luxfer Superform - Riverside, CA
US Navy - , CA
Assa Abloy Group - Baldwin Park, CA
A Sheet Metal Apprentice'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.
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 Apprentices. 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:
For Sheet Metal Apprentice 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 Apprentice positions in Transportation or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sheet Metal Apprentice as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $77,212 | $37.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $71,697 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $66,182 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $61,770 | $30.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $60,667 | $29.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Sheet Metal Apprentice'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 | $60,743 | $5,062 | $1,168 | $29 |
| Average | $55,152 | $4,596 | $1,061 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,174 | $4,098 | $946 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Sheet Metal Apprentice job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
NNData
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NNData | San Diego, CA
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Simi Valley, CA
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Talent Source LLC
San Diego, CA
Talent Source LLC | San Diego, CA
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US Marine Corps
Camp Pendleton, CA
US Marine Corps | Camp Pendleton, CA
Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic Duties. You will independently perform the full range of aircraft sheet metal mechanic duties, including the most complex rep... more
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US Marine Corps
Coronado, CA
US Marine Corps | Coronado, CA
Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic Duties. You will independently perform the full range of aircraft sheet metal mechanic duties, including the most complex rep... more
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