Sheet Metal Worker.
San Antonio.
$52,000
median salary, 9% below the national average
$40,000 to $67,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
The median Sheet Metal Worker salary in San Antonio is $52,000, 9% below the national average. Entry level starts near $40,000. Experienced professionals push past $67,000. San Antonio has a major military presence with Joint Base San Antonio and a growing cybersecurity hub. That spread is your negotiation window.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $47,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$34,000
to $42,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$44,000
to $55,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$57,000
to $68,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$65,000
to $81,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $14,000 to the total package.
Base
$52,000
Equity
$8,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $66,000
How San Antonio compares
San Antonio, TX
$52,000
Cost of living: 9% below average
National Average
$57,000
San Antonio is $5,000 below
Sheet Metal Worker salary by city
Salary by role in San Antonio
What you should know
Before you negotiate a Sheet Metal Worker offer in San Antonio, understand the terrain. San Antonio has a major military presence with Joint Base San Antonio and a growing cybersecurity hub. The city is home to USAA headquarters and a cluster of healthcare systems. The extremely affordable cost of living and no state income tax make it attractive for professionals seeking purchasing power. Workers specializing in HVAC ductwork fabrication and architectural sheet metal earn the highest rates. CNC and CAD proficiency for precision fabrication adds 10 to 15% above hand-layout skills alone. Union sheet metal workers in major metropolitan areas benefit from prevailing wage requirements on commercial and government projects that push hourly rates well above open-shop competitors.
Sheet metal apprentices start at $32,000 to $40,000 during their four to five year apprenticeship. Journeymen earn $44,000 to $62,000, while foremen and shop supervisors reach $65,000 to $82,000. Estimators and project managers with sheet metal backgrounds command $80,000 to $110,000 at large mechanical contractors. In San Antonio, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Union SMWIA benefits add $15,000 to $25,000 annually in health, pension, and training fund contributions. Overtime on large commercial projects can add $6,000 to $14,000 per year. Tool and equipment allowances of $500 to $1,500 annually are common at union shops. And on the tax side: texas has no state income tax. San Antonio has no city income tax. The zero tax environment and very affordable housing create exceptional purchasing power relative to most metros. When someone quotes you $52,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage the cybersecurity corridor. San Antonio's NSA facility and military cyber operations drive demand for cleared security professionals at premium rates. The range for Sheet Metal Workers in San Antonio runs from $40,000 to $67,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A IT Support Specialist in San Antonio earns $51,000 (2% less)
- The highest-paying role in San Antonio is Distinguished Engineer at $303,000
Common questions.
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