As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Metal Worker in the United States is $52,606 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Metal Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Metal Worker'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Metal Worker's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Metal Worker | $50,513 |
| Intermediate Level Metal Worker | $50,667 |
| Senior Level Metal Worker | $52,200 |
| Specialist Level Metal Worker | $54,229 |
| Expert Level Metal Worker | $55,041 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Metal Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 2.54% |
| Work Ethic | 3.21% |
| Machine Operation | 1.63% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$55,763 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$55,763 |
6%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$55,763 |
6%
|
|
SOP
|
$55,763 |
6%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$55,237 |
5%
|
|
Programming
|
$55,237 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Metal 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 Metal Worker with a No Diploma is between $47,897 and $51,549).
Metal Worker Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Metal 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Metal Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,639 in 2023 to around $42,677 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Metal Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $42,639 |
| 2024 | $42,793 |
| 2025 | $42,677 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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