Sheet Metal Worker Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$57,000
national median salary
$44,000 to $74,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$82,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$60,000
Spokane, WA
Lowest Paying
$44,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Sheet Metal Worker salary in the United States is $57,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $44,000 at the 25th percentile to $74,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $82,000, while Spokane offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Workers specializing in HVAC ductwork fabrication and architectural sheet metal earn the highest rates.
Sheet Metal Worker salary by city
Skills that increase Sheet Metal Worker pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Sheet Metal Workers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,980 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,980 per year
≈ +$7,410 per year
≈ +$6,840 per year
≈ +$6,270 per year
≈ +$6,270 per year
≈ +$5,700 per year
≈ +$5,700 per year
≈ +$5,130 per year
What you should know
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.
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.