As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic in the United States is $62,972 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic'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 Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 5.56% |
| Equipment Operation | 5.56% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 2.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
First Aid
|
$66,751 |
6%
|
|
Customer Support
|
$66,121 |
5%
|
|
Aircraft Maintenance
|
$66,121 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$64,232 |
2%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$64,232 |
2%
|
|
Coordination
|
$63,602 |
1%
|
For Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic positions in Transportation or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $88,161 | $42.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $81,864 | $39.0 | 30% |
| MFG Durable | $69,270 | $33.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanics enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $67,519 and $72,394).
Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 33.3% |
| Bachelors | 14.3% |
| Masters | 1.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $51,342 in 2023 to around $51,281 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $51,342 |
| 2024 | $51,532 |
| 2025 | $51,281 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic 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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