Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet metal workers earned a median hourly wage of $24.23 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This amounts to a yearly salary of $50,400. Overall, annual earnings ranged from less than $29,260 to more than $88,070. Earnings vary in different parts of the country and tend to be highest in industrialized urban areas. Earnings also vary by industry. For example, in May 2019, construction trade workers earned about $46,070 per year; whereas sheet metal workers employed in specialty trades like ventilation, heating, air-conditioning, and commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturing earned about $51,910 a year. Apprentices begin at about 40 to 50 percent of the rate paid to experienced workers and receive periodic pay increases throughout their training. Some workers who are union members are eligible for supplemental pay from their union during periods of unemployment or when they are working less than full time.

Sheet metal workers who are members of the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, the industry's main labor union, are entitled to benefits including paid vacation days and holidays, health insurance, pensions to help with retirement savings, supplemental unemployment compensation plans, and so forth.