California ranks 6th of 51 states and D.C. for sheet metal workers pay, trailing top-paying New Jersey ($94,310) by $14,680 — a 18% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $46,800 to $132,220 — a $85,420 spread, 32% wider than the national $64,650 range.
Sheet Metal Workers are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.67 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.49× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| 25th percentile | $59,730 | $28.72 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,630 | $38.28 |
| 75th percentile | $107,640 | $51.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $132,220 | $63.57 |
| Mean (average) | $86,530 | $41.60 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $79,630 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $94,310 | +18% |
| Illinois | $93,570 | +18% |
| Washington | $93,230 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $91,540 | +15% |
| Alaska | $82,750 | +4% |
| Massachusetts | $79,260 | +0% |
| North Dakota | $78,910 | -1% |
| District of Columbia | $76,450 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Officers | $79,580 | 27,420 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $79,570 | 46,790 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $79,520 | 11,410 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $79,410 | 8,430 |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $79,410 | 146,270 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $79,140 | 54,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Sheet Metal Workers salary in California?
The mean sheet metal workers salary in California is $86,530 per year. The median (middle) salary is $79,630 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Sheet Metal Workers in California?
Entry-level sheet metal workerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $46,800 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $59,730 per year.
What is the highest Sheet Metal Workers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $132,220 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $107,640 per year.
How does the California Sheet Metal Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median sheet metal workers salary in California is $79,630, which is +31% above national average of $60,850.