How much do sheet metal workers make in North Carolina in 2026?

Sheet metal workers in North Carolina earn a median of $50,730 a year, which works out to about $24.39 an hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That figure sits in the middle of the field — half of workers in the state earn more, half earn less.

The bottom quarter of earners — workers early in their careers or in lower-paying shops — bring in $45,500 or less annually, roughly $21.88 an hour. The top quarter clears $61,490 or more, about $29.56 an hour. That $16,000 spread between the 25th and 75th percentile is not trivial. It reflects real differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and geography within the state.

These numbers come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, published May 2025. The BLS collects this data directly from employers, making it one of the more reliable wage benchmarks available for tradespeople.

Sheet metal work in North Carolina covers a wide range of tasks: fabricating and installing HVAC ductwork, roofing systems, architectural panels, and industrial enclosures. Workers with skills in both fabrication and field installation tend to command stronger pay than those limited to one side of the trade. The same is true for workers who can read blueprints, operate CNC plasma or laser cutting equipment, or hold certifications in specific systems.

Geography matters inside the state. The Charlotte metro and the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) are the largest construction and commercial markets in North Carolina. Shops and contractors in those areas typically pay at or above the state median, driven by higher project volumes, tighter labor supply, and larger commercial and industrial clients. Workers in smaller metros or rural counties may see wages closer to the 25th percentile, though lower cost of living can offset some of that gap.

Overtime is a real factor in take-home pay for sheet metal workers. Commercial and industrial HVAC projects often run tight schedules, especially during pre-commissioning and closeout phases. A worker earning $24.39 an hour at straight time earns $36.59 an hour for every overtime hour. A single week of 10 overtime hours adds roughly $366 before taxes — meaningful over a full season.

Apprenticeship is the standard entry path into this trade. A registered apprenticeship program typically runs four to five years and combines on-the-job training with related technical instruction. Starting pay for apprentices is a percentage of journeyman scale and steps up as apprentices complete hours and coursework. Completing an apprenticeship and reaching journeyman status is one of the most reliable ways to push past the state median.

Some workers in this trade may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement — check with your local for current rates.

Experience alone does not guarantee top-quartile pay. Workers who add skills — welding certifications, refrigerant handling credentials (EPA Section 608), or supervisory experience — are better positioned to negotiate toward and above $61,490. Foremen and lead installers who take on project coordination responsibilities often reach that upper tier faster than workers who stay in a purely production role.

The BLS OEWS data captures base wages paid by employers. It does not include overtime earnings, shift differentials, per diem allowances, or the value of employer-paid benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Your actual total compensation may be higher than the headline figures suggest, particularly if your employer provides a strong benefits package or you regularly work overtime hours.