Find a Job You Really Want In
When it comes to job satisfaction, salary consistently ranks as the top priority for many individuals. As a sheet metal mechanic, you might be wondering, “What are the salary expectations in my state?” Understanding average salaries can help you gauge your earning potential and make informed career decisions in this skilled trade.
Numerous factors can influence your specific salary, such as experience, certifications, and the local job market. However, reliable data provides a clear picture of average salaries for sheet metal mechanics across different states in the U.S., categorized by experience level. While salaries may vary by city, state averages serve as a useful benchmark for your expectations.
The state offering the highest salary for sheet metal mechanics in 2026? That honor goes to Washington.
Here’s a quick overview of the top ten states for sheet metal mechanic salaries:
To better comprehend how salaries for sheet metal mechanics fluctuate across the nation, we analyzed the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on average pay by state.
Moreover, we factored in the cost of living in each state, as this significantly impacts how far your salary stretches. For instance, your earnings will yield more in North Carolina compared to California.
Let’s explore how we arrived at these figures and provide you with a comprehensive ranking of all the states.
How We Determined Sheet Metal Mechanic Pay By State
As previously noted, we utilized data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, specifically the ‘Occupational Employment Statistics,’ to establish average annual salaries for sheet metal mechanics.
To ensure fair comparisons across states, we also considered the cost of living in each area. We created an index by dividing the average wage for a state by the average cost of living index. For example, with a cost of living index of 135.9 in California and an average salary of $71,000, our index calculation would be:
$71,000 * (100 / 135.9) = $52,244
States were then ranked based on this index, with the highest values indicating the best average salaries for sheet metal mechanics.
Below is the detailed ranking of all states.
Detailed List Of Sheet Metal Mechanic Salaries By State
| Rank | State | Adjusted Salary | Average Wage | Cost Of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $80,760 | $84,960 | 105.2 |
| 2 | Missouri | $70,873 | $64,070 | 90.4 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $70,019 | $71,000 | 101.4 |
| 4 | Illinois | $69,577 | $65,820 | 94.6 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $68,383 | $83,360 | 121.9 |
| 6 | Alaska | $67,307 | $88,240 | 131.1 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $67,023 | $67,560 | 100.8 |
| 8 | Wisconsin | $65,433 | $63,340 | 96.8 |
| 9 | Indiana | $64,245 | $57,500 | 89.5 |
| 10 | Iowa | $62,505 | $56,880 | 91.0 |
| 11 | Michigan | $62,213 | $55,370 | 89.0 |
| 12 | Ohio | $60,277 | $56,540 | 93.8 |
| 13 | Oklahoma | $60,123 | $53,630 | 89.2 |
| 14 | North Dakota | $59,818 | $59,460 | 99.4 |
| 15 | New Mexico | $58,756 | $56,700 | 96.5 |
| 16 | Nevada | $57,473 | $59,370 | 103.3 |
| 17 | Nebraska | $57,281 | $52,470 | 91.6 |
| 18 | Oregon | $56,384 | $65,180 | 115.6 |
| 19 | Kansas | $56,262 | $50,580 | 89.9 |
| 20 | Montana | $55,912 | $56,360 | 100.8 |
| 21 | West Virginia | $55,599 | $51,930 | 93.4 |
| 22 | Utah | $55,010 | $51,160 | 93.0 |
| 23 | Texas | $54,851 | $49,750 | 90.7 |
| 24 | Connecticut | $54,690 | $69,840 | 127.7 |
| 25 | Massachusetts | $54,235 | $72,350 | 133.4 |
| 26 | Virginia | $53,849 | $54,280 | 100.8 |
| 27 | Kentucky | $53,845 | $48,730 | 90.5 |
| 28 | Georgia | $53,260 | $48,680 | 91.4 |
| 29 | Mississippi | $52,922 | $45,460 | 85.9 |
| 30 | Tennessee | $52,539 | $46,970 | 89.4 |
| 31 | New York | $52,496 | $68,770 | 131.0 |
| 32 | California | $52,244 | $71,000 | 135.9 |
| 33 | Colorado | $50,924 | $52,860 | 103.8 |
| 34 | Idaho | $50,662 | $46,660 | 92.1 |
| 35 | Wyoming | $50,435 | $46,300 | 91.8 |
| 36 | Arizona | $50,132 | $49,130 | 98.0 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $49,781 | $43,360 | 87.1 |
| 38 | Rhode Island | $49,478 | $59,720 | 120.7 |
| 39 | North Carolina | $49,148 | $46,150 | 93.9 |
| 40 | Hawaii | $46,337 | $77,800 | 167.9 |
| 41 | Louisiana | $46,234 | $43,830 | 94.8 |
| 42 | Florida | $45,869 | $45,090 | 98.3 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $45,361 | $47,040 | 103.7 |
| 44 | Maine | $45,108 | $49,980 | 110.8 |
| 45 | Maryland | $44,701 | $56,100 | 125.5 |
| 46 | New Hampshire | $43,649 | $51,070 | 117.0 |
| 47 | South Carolina | $43,407 | $43,060 | 99.2 |
| 48 | Vermont | $38,497 | $46,620 | 121.1 |
In conclusion, being informed about regional salary trends is essential for anyone considering a career as a sheet metal mechanic. Understanding where your skills are valued most can significantly impact your earning potential and job satisfaction. Use this information to guide your career choices and ensure you’re making the most of your skills in the evolving job market.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
