As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheet Metal Helper in the United States is $40,142 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Sheet Metal Helper's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sheet Metal Helper'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.
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 Helpers. 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
|
$44,558 |
11%
|
|
Installation
|
$44,156 |
10%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$44,156 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$43,354 |
8%
|
|
CNC
|
$42,952 |
7%
|
|
Programming
|
$42,551 |
6%
|
For Sheet Metal Helper 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, Sheet Metal Helper positions in Transportation or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sheet Metal Helper as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $56,199 | $27.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $52,185 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $50,178 | $24.0 | 25% |
| Chemicals | $48,171 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $46,164 | $22.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sheet Metal Helpers 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 Helper with a No Diploma is between $37,035 and $40,054).
Sheet Metal Helper 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 Sheet Metal Helper'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, 2026Salaries for a Sheet Metal Helper can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,237 in 2023 to around $37,708 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sheet Metal Helper salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,237 |
| 2024 | $37,961 |
| 2025 | $37,708 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Sheet Metal Helper 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.)
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