Sheet metal workers are an important part of the construction, HVAC, manufacturing, and building maintenance industry in the United States. If you are searching for Sheet Metal Worker Salary, Sheet Metal Worker Salary in USA, or asking how much a sheet metal worker make, the pay can be different from one state to another. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the national median annual wage for sheet metal workers was about $61,800 in May 2025, while the mean annual wage was about $67,850. Some workers start with lower pay while learning the trade, and experienced workers, union workers, specialty workers, and people working in higher-paying areas can earn more. This guide looks at the average sheet metal worker salary, hourly pay, starting salary, salary by state, job duties, experience, and the main things that can change a worker's paycheck.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in the USA

A sheet metal worker works with thin metal materials to make, install, repair, and maintain products used in buildings and other projects. The job can include making air ducts, HVAC parts, metal roofing pieces, gutters, flashing, and other metal systems. In simple words, these workers measure metal, cut it, shape it, join it, and then install it at the job site. Some work mostly in a shop, while others spend most of the day at construction sites or inside commercial buildings.

The average Sheet Metal Worker salary depends on several things. Location is one of the big factors, but experience, type of employer, union membership, overtime, industry, and the kind of sheet metal work also matter. BLS reports that sheet metal workers had a median annual wage of $61,800 in May 2025. The same BLS data shows that workers in the top 10 percent earned more than $105,650 a year. Apprentices normally earn less than fully trained workers, with pay increasing as they learn more skills and become more useful on the job.

How Much Does a Sheet Metal Worker Make?

So, how much does a sheet metal worker make in the United States? There is not one fixed number for every worker. A new worker may start at a lower hourly rate, while an experienced sheet metal worker can make much more. The national median is a useful middle point because half of workers earn above it and half earn below it.

For May 2025, BLS reported a median annual wage of $61,800 for sheet metal workers. The national mean wage was higher at about $67,850 per year, or around $32.62 per hour when expressed as the annual mean hourly wage. These numbers are not the same as what every worker takes home because actual pay can change with overtime, location, work schedule, and employer.

• National median salary: $61,800 per year
• National mean salary: $67,850 per year
• Mean hourly wage: about $32.62 per hour
• Lower 10%: below $38,630 per year
• Upper 10%: above $105,650 per year

State Wise Sheet Metal Worker Salary

Sheet metal worker pay can change a lot depending on where the job is located. A worker in California may see a very different wage from someone doing similar work in a lower-cost area. State wages also depend on the local construction market, HVAC demand, manufacturing work, union jobs, and the number of experienced workers available.

The table below is intended to show the state-by-state salary picture using the latest BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics information. BLS publishes state occupational wage estimates separately from the national estimates, so state figures should be read as local wage estimates rather than one guaranteed salary for every worker.

What Affects Sheet Metal Worker Pay?

Two people can have the same job title but still get different pay. This happens pretty often in skilled trades. A sheet metal worker with several years of field experience may get better pay than a new worker. The company and type of work also make a difference. For example, someone working on commercial HVAC systems may have a different wage from a worker doing basic fabrication.

• Years of work experience
• State and local area
• Union or non-union employment
• Commercial construction work
• HVAC and duct installation experience
• Sheet metal fabrication skills
• Overtime and extra shifts
• Type and size of employer
• Apprenticeship and trade training
• Specialized industrial or government work

Sheet Metal Worker Hourly Pay

Many people searching for a Sheet Metal Worker Salary are actually trying to know the hourly pay. That makes sense because many construction and trade jobs are paid by the hour. Based on the May 2025 national BLS mean wage, sheet metal workers averaged about $32.62 per hour. But this is a national mean and not a starting wage. An apprentice or entry-level worker can earn less, while an experienced worker can earn more depending on the job and location.

Hourly pay can also become higher when overtime is available. Some construction projects need workers for longer shifts or weekend work. That means annual income can sometimes be noticeably different from the basic hourly rate. Still, workers should look at the complete job offer, because benefits, paid time off, health coverage, retirement plans and overtime rules can also matter.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary by Experience

Experience can make a big difference in sheet metal worker salary. A person who is just entering the trade normally does not earn the same money as somebody who has been doing the work for many years. This is normal with skilled trade jobs because workers learn more tools, machines, safety rules and installation methods as they stay in the field.

An entry level sheet metal worker may start with basic tasks and work under a more experienced worker. Over time, the worker can learn fabrication, welding, HVAC duct installation, blueprint reading and other useful skills. When the worker can handle more work without much supervision, the pay can move up too.

Entry Level Sheet Metal Worker Salary

The entry level sheet metal worker salary is usually lower than the national median because new workers are still learning the trade. Some people enter through an apprenticeship, while others start as helpers and learn on the job.

There is no single national starting salary that applies to every company. The starting pay can depend on the state, employer, union agreement, previous construction experience and type of work. An entry level worker should also look at the full job package instead of only the hourly number.

• Basic hourly wage
• Overtime opportunities
• Health insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Apprenticeship wage increases

Experienced Sheet Metal Worker Salary

An experienced sheet metal worker can take on more difficult jobs and may have better earning opportunities. Workers who know HVAC systems, fabrication equipment, welding, commercial ductwork or industrial sheet metal work can have skills that employers need.

At the higher end of the occupation, earnings can become much higher than the national median. BLS reported that the highest 10 percent of sheet metal workers earned more than $105,650 per year in May 2025. This does not mean every experienced worker will make that amount, but it shows how wide the pay range can become in this trade.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary by Industry

Another thing that can change a sheet metal worker salary is the industry where the person works. Sheet metal workers are not only found on normal construction sites. They can also work in government, manufacturing, specialty trade contracting and wholesale businesses.

According to the latest BLS figures, the median annual wages in May 2025 were different across major industries. Government workers had a median wage of $70,640, while workers in specialty trade contractors had a median of $63,100. Building construction had a median of $62,870. Manufacturing had a lower median of $51,570, and wholesale trade had a median of $46,390.

HVAC Sheet Metal Worker Salary

HVAC sheet metal worker salary is another common search because a large part of this trade is connected with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These workers may fabricate and install ductwork, connect metal sections and make sure the system fits correctly inside a building.

HVAC work can be found in homes, offices, hospitals, factories, schools, stores and large commercial buildings. A worker who becomes good at reading plans and handling complicated duct systems can become more valuable to an employer.

HVAC sheet metal work may include:

• Measuring and cutting sheet metal
• Making and installing air ducts
• Working with HVAC duct systems
• Joining metal sections and seams
• Installing metal components at construction sites
• Checking finished work for proper fit

Sheet Metal Fabricator Salary

A sheet metal fabricator salary can also be different from the pay of a worker who mainly installs products at construction sites. Fabricators spend more time making metal parts to the correct size and shape. They may use cutting machines, bending equipment, welding tools and other shop equipment.

Fabrication requires good measuring skills because a small mistake can make a part difficult to install. Workers who become comfortable with drawings, measurements, machinery and different types of metal can move into more skilled fabrication positions.

Sheet Metal Installer Salary

A sheet metal installer salary is another useful keyword for people looking for this career. Installers may work at construction sites where fabricated metal products are put into their final location. The work can involve HVAC ducts, roofing components, flashing, gutters and other sheet metal products.

Installation work is not always inside a comfortable shop. Depending on the project, workers may be on roofs, ladders, unfinished buildings or mechanical rooms. Because of this, safety is a very important part of the job.

• Read measurements and work plans
• Carry and position metal materials
• Use hand and power tools
• Join and secure metal parts
• Work with other construction workers
• Follow workplace safety requirements

Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Salary

A sheet metal worker apprentice salary is normally lower than the pay of a fully trained worker. This is because apprentices are still learning the trade while working under supervision. The good part is that an apprenticeship can provide practical experience instead of only classroom learning.

Apprentices can learn how to use tools, read drawings, measure materials, fabricate parts and install sheet metal products. Their wages can increase as they complete more training and become more experienced.

The actual apprentice pay depends on the apprenticeship program, location, employer and stage of training. Some programs also provide benefits while the apprentice is learning the trade.

What Does a Sheet Metal Worker Do?

If you are searching for what does a sheet metal worker do, the answer is pretty simple: these workers make, install, repair and maintain products made from sheet metal. But the daily work can look very different depending on the job.

Some workers spend much of their time in a fabrication shop, while others work at construction sites. BLS describes the occupation as including fabrication, assembly, installation and repair of sheet metal products and equipment such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes and furnace casings.

• Measure sheet metal and mark cutting points
• Cut and shape metal materials
• Bend and form sheet metal
• Operate fabrication machines
• Install metal ducts and other products
• Use soldering or welding equipment when needed
• Repair damaged sheet metal products
• Inspect seams, joints and finished work

Sheet Metal Worker Job Duties

The daily job duties depend on the employer and the type of project. A worker in a fabrication shop may spend more time operating machines, while a construction worker may spend more time installing ducts and other parts.

Good measuring is one of the basic skills in this job. Workers need to make sure the metal is cut and shaped correctly before it is installed. A wrong measurement can waste material and also slow down the project.

Sheet metal workers also need to work safely. They may use sharp metal, power tools, welding equipment and heavy materials. Construction locations can also have ladders, moving equipment and other hazards, so following safety procedures is part of the normal work.

Sheet Metal Worker Skills That Can Increase Job Opportunities

People who want to build a career in this trade can develop several useful skills. You do not need to know everything on the first day. Most workers learn more skills as they get experience, but having the right basic skills can help when looking for a job.

• Good measurement skills
• Basic math
• Blueprint and drawing reading
• Hand tool knowledge
• Power tool experience
• Metal cutting and forming
• Welding and soldering knowledge
• HVAC duct installation
• Basic mechanical skills
• Workplace safety knowledge
• Ability to work with a team
• Physical strength and good hand coordination

Sheet Metal Worker Education and Training

A four-year college degree is normally not the main path into this trade. Many people learn through an apprenticeship, technical training, vocational program or on-the-job experience. BLS notes that apprentices generally start at lower pay than fully trained sheet metal workers and receive training while working.

For someone starting from zero, an apprenticeship can be a practical way to learn because the person gets hands-on experience. The exact requirements can be different depending on the employer and state.

High school courses in mathematics, mechanical subjects, shop classes or similar areas can also be useful. Basic math becomes important when measuring, cutting and calculating material.

Sheet Metal Worker Union Salary

Sheet Metal Worker union salary is another search people make when they are checking this career. Union jobs can have a different pay structure than non-union jobs. The exact wage depends on the local union, area, employer, type of work and the agreement that covers the job.

Union apprenticeship programs can also be a way for new workers to enter the trade. An apprentice normally starts at a lower wage and moves up as training and skills are completed. A fully trained journey worker can then take on more work without the same level of supervision.

For somebody comparing a union and non-union job, it is better to look at the full package instead of only the hourly pay. Things like health insurance, retirement contributions, paid holidays and overtime rules can make a difference in the total value of a job.

• Hourly base wage
• Overtime pay
• Health and medical benefits
• Retirement or pension benefits
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Apprenticeship training
• Possible wage increases with experience

Sheet Metal Worker Overtime Pay

Sheet Metal Worker overtime pay can be an important part of yearly income. Most sheet metal workers work full time, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some projects can have longer work schedules when a construction job has to stay on schedule.

Overtime is not guaranteed for every worker, though. It depends on the employer, project and applicable wage rules. A person looking at a job should ask about the normal weekly hours and how overtime is handled before comparing two salary offers.

For example, two jobs may show similar hourly wages but one may have regular overtime while the other has a normal 40-hour schedule. The yearly income can therefore be different even when the basic hourly rate looks close.

Sheet Metal Worker Benefits

Salary is only one part of what a worker can earn from a job. Some sheet metal workers also receive benefits from their employer or apprenticeship program. Benefits can be especially important for people planning to stay in the trade for many years.

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Training programs
• Tool or work-related allowances in some jobs

Benefits are different from one company to another, so workers should check the actual job offer instead of assuming every sheet metal job includes the same package.

Highest Paying Sheet Metal Worker Jobs

There is no single job title that guarantees the highest salary. However, workers with specialized skills and more experience may have access to higher-paying positions. BLS data shows that the highest 10 percent of sheet metal workers earned more than $105,650 per year in May 2025. That number represents the upper end of the occupation, not a normal starting salary.

Specialized experience can be useful in areas such as commercial HVAC, industrial fabrication, precision sheet metal and testing and balancing work. Some workers also move into lead, supervisor or other higher-responsibility positions as they gain experience.

• Commercial HVAC sheet metal work
• Industrial sheet metal fabrication
• Precision sheet metal work
• Testing and balancing work
• Specialized installation
• Lead or senior trade positions

Sheet Metal Worker Salary vs HVAC Technician Salary

People sometimes compare sheet metal worker salary with HVAC technician salary because both careers can work around heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The jobs do overlap in some workplaces, but they are not exactly the same.

Sheet metal workers commonly fabricate and install ducts and other sheet metal products. HVAC mechanics and installers work more directly with heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment. The training, daily duties and salary can therefore be different even when both workers are on the same construction project.

If someone likes metal fabrication, measuring and duct installation, sheet metal work may be a better match for that type of work. Someone who prefers troubleshooting mechanical and refrigeration equipment may look more closely at HVAC technician careers.

Sheet Metal Worker Career Growth

A person does not have to stay at the same level forever. After learning the basic trade, a sheet metal worker can develop more specialized skills or move into jobs with additional responsibility.

Some workers become highly skilled installers or fabricators. Others move toward lead worker or supervisory positions. Experience with plans, estimating, project coordination or computer-controlled equipment can also open different paths.

• Sheet Metal Apprentice
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Experienced Sheet Metal Worker
• Lead Sheet Metal Worker
• Foreman
• Sheet Metal Supervisor
• Estimator or project-related positions

Sheet Metal Worker Job Outlook

The Sheet Metal Worker job outlook is expected to remain fairly steady over the next several years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

BLS projects about 9,800 openings for sheet metal workers each year, on average, during that period. A large part of these openings are expected to come from workers leaving the occupation, including people who retire or move into other jobs.

There is also continuing demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems in new and existing buildings. At the same time, more prefabricated duct systems and automated fabrication equipment can reduce the amount of labor needed for some types of work. So the job market can look different depending on the type of sheet metal work and location.

Where Do Sheet Metal Workers Work?

Sheet metal workers can work in several different places. Some are in construction, some are in manufacturing shops and others work for government or specialty trade contractors.

BLS reports that specialty trade contractors employed the largest share of sheet metal workers in 2025, followed by manufacturing. Construction sites can involve outdoor work, climbing, bending and working in tight spaces, while fabrication workers may spend more time standing around machinery in a shop or factory.

• Construction companies
• HVAC contractors
• Sheet metal fabrication shops
• Manufacturing plants
• Government workplaces
• Commercial building contractors
• Maintenance companies

Is Sheet Metal Worker a Good Career?

For people who like hands-on work, tools, construction and learning a skilled trade, sheet metal work can be a practical career option. The job does not normally require a four-year college degree. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education, and construction workers commonly learn through an apprenticeship.

The work is not easy, though. Sheet metal workers can spend long hours standing, lifting material, bending, climbing and working in awkward positions. Construction workers may also work at heights or outside in different weather conditions. So a person should understand the physical side of the job before choosing this career.

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker

If you want to become a sheet metal worker in the USA, there are several ways to enter the trade. Construction sheet metal workers commonly learn through apprenticeship programs. Manufacturing workers may learn on the job or attend a technical school.

A high school diploma or equivalent is normally expected. Classes such as algebra and geometry can be useful because measuring, angles and calculations are part of the work. Some states may also have licensing requirements for certain sheet metal work.

1. Finish high school or obtain an equivalent credential.
2. Look for a sheet metal apprenticeship or entry-level job.
3. Learn basic tools, measurements and safety procedures.
4. Develop fabrication and installation skills.
5. Learn to read plans and technical drawings.
6. Build experience in HVAC, fabrication or construction work.
7. Continue training to qualify for more advanced jobs.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary: Final Thoughts

The Sheet Metal Worker Salary in USA can vary quite a bit depending on location, experience, industry and the type of work being done. The latest BLS data puts the national median annual wage at $61,800 for May 2025, with the median hourly figure at $29.71 per hour. Workers at the upper end of the occupation can earn more than $100,000 a year, while new apprentices normally start below the pay of fully trained workers.

For someone searching for an entry level sheet metal worker salary, the first years are mostly about learning the trade and building real experience. As skills improve, workers can move into HVAC installation, fabrication, maintenance, specialized work or positions with more responsibility.

The career also has a steady employment outlook. BLS projects 3 percent employment growth from 2025 to 2035 and about 9,800 openings each year. That means people interested in skilled construction and fabrication work can continue to find opportunities, although the exact salary and number of jobs will depend heavily on the local market.

When comparing a sheet metal job, do not look at salary alone. Check the hourly rate, overtime, benefits, apprenticeship opportunities, location, working conditions and chances to learn more skills. These things can make a real difference in what a sheet metal worker earns over a full year.