Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Salary in the United States

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice in the United States is $50,522 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,308
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,047 to $55,644
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,061

Key Factors That Influence Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Salaries

A Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Apprentices. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $55,938.
  • California: $55,726.
  • Massachusetts: $54,984.

Top Paying Cities for Sheet Metal Worker Apprentices

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:

  • San Jose: $63,724
  • San Francisco: $63,026
  • Oakland: $61,698

What Skills Can Increase a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 2.54% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 3.21% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
  • Machine Operation (Mentioned in 1.63% Job Postings): Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 2.54%
Work Ethic 3.21%
Machine Operation 1.63%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice's salary.

  • Standard Operating Procedures: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Standard Operating Procedures $53,554
6%
Leadership $53,554
6%
Decision Making $53,554
6%

Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Sheet Metal Worker 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 Worker Apprentice positions in Transportation or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$70,731$34.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$65,679$32.030%
Aerospace & Defense$60,627$29.020%
Pharmaceuticals$56,585$27.012%
Construction$55,575$27.010%

How Education impacts a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sheet Metal Worker Apprentices 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 Apprentice with a No Diploma is between $47,897 and $51,549).

Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice
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%

Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Sheet Metal Worker 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$45,047
Average $50,522/year
$55,644
$3,754
Average $4,210/month
$4,637
$866
Average $972/week
$1,070
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,644 $4,637 $1,070 $27
Average $50,522 $4,210 $972 $24
25th Percentile $45,047 $3,754 $866 $22

Most common benefits for Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice

Here are companies hiring for Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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