Sheetmetal Worker Salary in the United States

How much does a Sheetmetal Worker make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheetmetal Worker in the United States is $51,753 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,776
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,143 to $56,999
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,036

Key Factors That Influence Sheetmetal Worker Salaries

A Sheetmetal Worker'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 Sheetmetal Worker 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 Sheetmetal Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $57,300.
  • California: $57,083.
  • Massachusetts: $56,322.

Top Paying Cities for Sheetmetal Workers

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: $65,276
  • San Francisco: $64,561
  • Oakland: $63,200

What Skills Can Increase a Sheetmetal Worker'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 Sheetmetal Worker'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 $54,858
6%
Leadership $54,858
6%
Decision Making $54,858
6%

Sheetmetal Worker Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Sheetmetal Worker

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$72,454$35.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$67,278$32.030%
Aerospace & Defense$62,103$30.020%
Pharmaceuticals$57,963$28.012%
Construction$56,928$27.010%

How Education impacts a Sheetmetal Worker's Salary?

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

Sheetmetal Worker Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Sheetmetal Worker
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%

Sheetmetal Worker Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Sheetmetal Worker'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
$46,143
Average $51,753/year
$56,999
$3,845
Average $4,313/month
$4,750
$887
Average $995/week
$1,096
$22
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,999 $4,750 $1,096 $27
Average $51,753 $4,313 $995 $25
25th Percentile $46,143 $3,845 $887 $22

Most common benefits for Sheetmetal Worker

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

Common company salaries for Sheetmetal Worker

Here are companies hiring for Sheetmetal Worker and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Sheetmetal Worker

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Sheetmetal Worker?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Sheetmetal Worker 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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