How much do sheet metal workers make in Texas in 2026?

Sheet metal workers in Texas earn a median wage of $54,240 per year, which works out to about $26.08 an hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That number sits in the middle of the field — half of sheet metal workers in the state earn more, half earn less. If you're just starting out or working in a slower market, the 25th percentile comes in at $44,950 a year, or roughly $21.61 an hour. Workers with stronger experience, specialized skills, or positions in higher-demand areas reach the 75th percentile at $63,450 annually — about $30.50 an hour. All figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, May 2025.

The spread between the 25th and 75th percentile — nearly $18,500 a year — tells you something important: where you land on that range depends heavily on your experience level, the complexity of work you can take on, and the sector you work in. Sheet metal work in Texas covers a wide range of tasks, from residential HVAC ductwork to commercial roofing, industrial ventilation systems, and architectural metalwork on large construction projects. Workers who can handle precision layout, read complex blueprints, and fabricate specialty components tend to command pay closer to or above the 75th percentile.

Texas is a large state with significant regional variation in construction activity. The major metro areas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio — drive the bulk of commercial and industrial construction, and those markets typically support stronger wages due to higher project volume and more consistent work schedules. Workers in smaller or rural markets may find fewer opportunities and face more seasonal gaps between jobs, which can drag down annual earnings even if the hourly rate is competitive.

Overtime is a real factor in this trade. During peak construction seasons or when project deadlines tighten, sheet metal workers can regularly put in 50 or more hours a week. At the median rate of $26.08 an hour, a 10-hour overtime week adds roughly $391 in gross pay at 1.5x time. Workers who consistently pick up overtime on busy commercial or industrial sites can push their annual take-home well above what the base salary figures suggest.

Entry into the trade typically goes through a multi-year apprenticeship program, where you earn while you learn. Apprentice wages start below the 25th percentile and step up incrementally as you progress through the program and accumulate on-the-job hours. Completing an apprenticeship and reaching journeyman status is the most reliable path to landing at or above the median. Continuing to build skills in areas like HVAC system design, precision fabrication, or welding can accelerate movement toward the upper percentile range.

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

The BLS figures reported here are straight wages — they do not include the value of health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, or per diem payments that some employers provide. On jobs with strong benefits packages, total compensation can run meaningfully higher than the wage figures alone. When comparing offers, it's worth calculating the full package, not just the hourly rate.

Texas does not require a statewide license for sheet metal workers specifically, but local jurisdictions — particularly in larger cities — may have their own permitting and certification requirements, especially for HVAC-related work. Holding relevant certifications, such as EPA 608 for refrigerants, can improve your hireability and give you leverage when negotiating pay.

To move your pay higher, focus on the skills that are hardest to find on any given job site. Welding certifications, experience with automated fabrication equipment, and the ability to supervise or lead a crew all make you more valuable. Workers who can step into a foreman or lead role typically earn above the 75th percentile, and some cross into supervisory or estimating roles that push compensation even further.