Sheet Metal Worker Salary in 2026
Fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal products including HVAC ducts and roofing.
Median Salary
$55,000
$4,583/mo
Entry Level
$38,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$78,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
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)
155K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$26.44/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,583
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
$64,000
$5,333/month · $2,462/biweekly · $30.77/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 $38,000, while the top 10% earn $86,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Sheet Metal Workers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $63,000 | +$8,000 |
| Massachusetts | $62,000 | +$7,000 |
| Washington | $62,000 | +$7,000 |
| Illinois | $57,000 | +$2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Sheet Metal Workers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| Seattle | $63,000 | +$8,000 |
| Los Angeles | $62,000 | +$7,000 |
| Boston | $62,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $58,000 | +$3,000 |
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.
$38,000
0-2 years
$58,000
3-7 years
$78,000
8-14 years
$95,000
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 $55,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $38,000, while senior professionals earn up to $78,000. Top earners in the field can make $95,000 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 155K 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 $65,000. 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 $38,000 to $78,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Sheet Metal Worker Salary
How we calculate Sheet Metal Worker salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $55,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Sheet Metal Worker in the Trades sector.
- Entry-level ($38,000) and senior-level ($78,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 155K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Trades sector wages.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $55,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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