Sheet Metal Worker Salary in 2026
How Much Do Sheet Metal Workers Make?
Sheet Metal Workers earn a median annual salary of $60,850 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $38,030 at the 10th percentile to $102,680 at the 90th percentile — a range of $64,650. The highest-paying state is New Jersey at $94,310.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,030 |
| 25th percentile | $47,290 |
| Median (50th) | $60,850 |
| 75th percentile | $79,620 |
| 90th percentile | $102,680 |
Sheet Metal Worker Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $94,310 |
| Illinois | $93,570 |
| Washington | $93,230 |
| Hawaii | $91,540 |
| Alaska | $82,750 |
| California | $79,630 |
| Massachusetts | $79,260 |
| North Dakota | $78,910 |
| District of Columbia | $76,450 |
| Wisconsin | $75,970 |
| New York | $73,470 |
| West Virginia | $71,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,240 |
| Missouri | $66,340 |
| Idaho | $65,680 |
| Oregon | $65,190 |
| Oklahoma | $64,420 |
| Delaware | $63,850 |
| Ohio | $62,940 |
| Minnesota | $62,550 |
| Connecticut | $62,360 |
| Montana | $61,940 |
| Michigan | $61,680 |
| Maryland | $61,630 |
| Iowa | $61,620 |
| Utah | $60,490 |
| Maine | $60,320 |
| Indiana | $59,600 |
| New Mexico | $59,220 |
| Nebraska | $58,560 |
| Virginia | $58,490 |
| Colorado | $57,870 |
| Rhode Island | $56,950 |
| Vermont | $56,890 |
| Texas | $55,840 |
| Louisiana | $54,870 |
| Georgia | $53,960 |
| Tennessee | $53,680 |
| New Hampshire | $53,380 |
| North Carolina | $52,370 |
| Arizona | $51,440 |
| Wyoming | $51,240 |
| Kansas | $50,920 |
| South Dakota | $49,780 |
| Florida | $49,170 |
| Kentucky | $49,100 |
| Mississippi | $49,020 |
| Nevada | $47,590 |
| Alabama | $46,100 |
| South Carolina | $46,080 |
| Arkansas | $42,640 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet Metal Worker Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$38,030 – $47,290 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$60,850 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$79,620 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $102,680+ |
How to Earn More as a Sheet Metal Worker
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Sheet Metal Workers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $115,970 — $55,120 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($79,620) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Sheet Metal Worker Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Sheet Metal Workerthis career | $60,850 |
| Boilermaker | $73,340 |
| Carpenter | $59,310 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer | $58,140 |
| Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $48,680 |
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SOC: 47-2211.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.