How much does sheet metal make?
Sheet metal workers earn solid wages, reflecting the skill and physical effort needed for the job.
Sheet metal workers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year in the U.S., depending on experience and location.
Stay with me. I will explain pay rates, job types, and working hours clearly to help you understand the full picture.
How much do local 28 sheet metal workers make?
Local 28 sheet metal workers, based in New York, enjoy some of the highest union wages in the industry.
Local 28 sheet metal workers make around $42 to $50 per hour, translating to $90,000 to $110,000 annually with overtime and benefits.
Local 28 Wage Details
Here’s a breakdown:
| Worker Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Estimate (before overtime) |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $25–$35/hour | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Journeyman | $42–$50/hour | $85,000–$100,000 |
| Foreman | $55+/hour | $110,000+ |
Real-World Example
At Prime, when supplying "custom stamping parts supplier" products to contractors in New York, we know their labor costs are high. That’s why our quick delivery and precision fabrication help keep projects running efficiently, saving them from costly downtime.
One New York client once said, “Every day lost costs us thousands in union labor — Prime keeps us moving."
How much do sheet metal workers get paid in the US?
Sheet metal worker wages vary by region, experience, and union status across the United States.
The average sheet metal worker in the U.S. earns around $27 to $35 per hour, or about $56,000 to $73,000 per year.
Pay by Region
Here’s a look at typical salaries:
| Region | Average Hourly Pay | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (e.g., NY, NJ) | $35–$45/hour | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Midwest (e.g., IL, OH) | $30–$40/hour | $60,000–$80,000 |
| South (e.g., TX, FL) | $24–$32/hour | $50,000–$65,000 |
| West (e.g., CA, WA) | $32–$42/hour | $65,000–$85,000 |
At Prime, understanding regional wage differences helps us deliver "ISO certified casting parts manufacturer" solutions faster and more reliably — helping clients control labor budgets.
What do sheet metal workers create?
Sheet metal workers create a wide range of products used in construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries.
Sheet metal workers fabricate items like HVAC ducts, building facades, machine parts, vehicle components, and industrial equipment.
Typical Sheet Metal Products
Here’s what they often build:
| Product | Industry | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ductwork | Construction | Heating and cooling systems |
| Wall Panels | Architectural | Building exteriors |
| Machine Guards | Manufacturing | Factory safety covers |
| Auto Parts | Transportation | Truck body panels |
| Kitchen Equipment | Commercial | Stainless steel counters |
Prime’s Manufacturing Capabilities
At Prime, we supply custom metal parts across industries. Our "precision CNC parts machining" and "custom stamping parts" serve clients in construction, automotive, and heavy equipment markets.
I remember one project where a client needed 5,000 stainless steel panels for a luxury hotel build — and Prime’s fast turnaround helped them open ahead of schedule.
How many hours do sheet metal workers work?
Sheet metal workers typically work full-time, with some overtime during peak construction seasons or urgent projects.
Sheet metal workers usually work about 40 hours per week, but overtime is common, especially on large projects.
Typical Work Schedules
| Work Type | Weekly Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 40 hours | Monday through Friday |
| Overtime | 45–60+ hours | During project rush periods |
| Night/Weekend Shifts | Varies | Infrastructure and urgent repair work |
Work-Life Balance in the Trade
At Prime, we understand how critical timing is for our clients. When clients face tight project windows, our fast shipping and reliable "custom stamping parts supplier" services help keep their teams productive — even during overtime crunches.
One Texas-based HVAC contractor shared how Prime’s quick delivery helped them finish a school installation before the start of the new academic year, avoiding costly penalties.
Conclusion
Sheet metal workers earn competitive wages, create essential products, and often enjoy steady hours with overtime opportunities. Contact Prime today for custom metal part solutions backed by ISO quality, fast delivery, and professional expertise!
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