As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sheet Metal Technician in the United States is $50,169 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Sheet Metal Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sheet Metal Technician'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 Technicians. 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
|
$53,179 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$53,179 |
6%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$53,179 |
6%
|
|
SOP
|
$53,179 |
6%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$52,677 |
5%
|
|
Programming
|
$52,677 |
5%
|
For Sheet Metal Technician 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 Technician positions in Transportation or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sheet Metal Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $70,236 | $34.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $65,220 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $60,203 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $56,189 | $27.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $55,186 | $27.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sheet Metal Technicians 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 Technician with a No Diploma is between $47,897 and $51,549).
Sheet Metal Technician 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 Sheet Metal Technician'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 Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $41,251 in 2023 to around $41,287 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sheet Metal Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,251 |
| 2024 | $41,399 |
| 2025 | $41,287 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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