Trades & Labor San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in San Jose, California

The median sheet metal worker salary in San Jose, CA is $95,756 per year, which is 73.0% above the national median and 21.0% above the California state average.

City Median
$95,756
vs State Avg
+$16,605
vs National
+$40,406
Cost of Living
168%

Sheet Metal Worker Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median sheet metal worker salary of $95,756, which is $16,605 above the California state average of $79,151. Compared to the national median of $55,350, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $95,756 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,998. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sheet metal workers in San Jose spans from $58,820 at the 10th percentile to $148,780 at the 90th percentile — a $89,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,280, while senior sheet metal workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,860. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $62,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,860 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,280
+$26,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,880
+$40,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,860
+$59,860 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $58,820
25th Percentile $72,660
Median (50th) $95,756
75th Percentile $121,100
90th Percentile $148,780

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in San Jose

Education

Most sheet metal worker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. San Jose and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Sheet Metal FabricationHVAC DuctworkWeldingBlueprint ReadingMeasurementSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, sheet metal worker employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sheet Metal Worker Jobs in San Jose

Browse open sheet metal worker positions in San Jose, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in San Jose

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median sheet metal worker salary in San Jose, California is $95,756 per year, which is 73.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $58,820 (10th percentile) to $148,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,756, a sheet metal worker in San Jose earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for sheet metal worker pay? ▼
San Jose's median sheet metal worker salary of $95,756 is 21.0% above the California state average of $79,151. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a sheet metal worker salary of $95,756 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sheet metal worker in San Jose? ▼
Most sheet metal worker positions in San Jose require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Sheet Metal Fabrication, HVAC Ductwork, Welding, Blueprint Reading. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.