Sheet Metal Worker Salary in 2026
Fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal products including HVAC ducts and roofing.
Median Salary
$61,800
$5,150/mo
Entry Level
$42,700
starting pay
Senior Level
$87,600
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Sheet Metal Workers (SOC 47-2211) at a national median of $61,800 per year (mean $67,850), or $29.71 per hour, with 119,770 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Sheet Metal Worker Overview
Fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal products including HVAC ducts and roofing.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
4-5 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
120K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$29.71/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,150
Sheet Metal Worker Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Sheet Metal Worker salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Sheet Metal Worker Salary
$72,000
$6,000/month · $2,769/biweekly · $34.62/hr
Sheet Metal Worker Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Sheet Metal Worker field.
Entry-level Sheet Metal Workers earn around $42,700, while the top 10% earn $97,150 or more.
Top Paying States for Sheet Metal Workers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,000 | +$11,200 |
| New York | $71,000 | +$9,200 |
| Massachusetts | $69,000 | +$7,200 |
| Washington | $69,000 | +$7,200 |
| Illinois | $64,000 | +$2,200 |
Top Paying Cities for Sheet Metal Workers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New YorkBLS metro | $76,730 | +$14,930 |
| Seattle | $70,000 | +$8,200 |
| Los Angeles | $69,000 | +$7,200 |
| Boston | $69,000 | +$7,200 |
| Chicago | $65,000 | +$3,200 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Sheet Metal Workers in that city's metropolitan statistical area (1 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Sheet Metal Worker Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Sheet Metal Worker.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Sheet Metal Worker Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Sheet Metal Worker from entry level to expert.
$42,700
0-2 years
$65,000
3-7 years
$87,600
8-14 years
$106,700
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Sheet Metal Worker Salary FAQ
How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in 2026?
The median salary for a Sheet Metal Worker in the United States is $61,800 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Sheet Metal Workers (SOC 47-2211); the mean is $67,850. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $42,700, senior professionals around $87,600, and top earners at $106,700 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Sheet Metal Worker?
A Sheet Metal Worker typically requires a Apprenticeship with 4-5 years of experience. Key skills include Metal Fabrication, HVAC Ductwork, Welding. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Sheet Metal Workers?
The job market for Sheet Metal Workers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 120K Sheet Metal Worker positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Sheet Metal Workers the most?
The highest-paying states for Sheet Metal Workers include California, New York, Illinois. In California, the median salary is approximately $73,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Sheet Metal Worker salary?
To increase your Sheet Metal Worker salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Metal Fabrication and HVAC Ductwork. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 4-5 years of experience, you can progress from $42,700 to $87,600 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Sheet Metal Worker Salary
How we calculate Sheet Metal Worker salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Sheet Metal Workers (SOC 47-2211), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $61,800, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Sheet Metal Workers; BLS mean $67,850; BLS hourly median $29.71.
- Entry-level ($42,700) and senior-level ($87,600) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 119,770 Sheet Metal Workers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $61,800; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Sheet Metal Worker compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Sheet Metal Worker job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Sheet Metal Worker salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Metal Fabrication, HVAC Ductwork, Welding), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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