Trades & Labor Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median sheet metal worker salary in Des Moines, IA is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$50,922
vs State Avg
+$1,660
vs National
$-4,428
Cost of Living
92%

Sheet Metal Worker Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median sheet metal worker salary of $50,922, which is $1,660 above the Iowa state average of $49,262. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for sheet metal workers in Des Moines spans from $31,280 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $47,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,120, while senior sheet metal workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $33,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $31,280
25th Percentile $38,640
Median (50th) $50,922
75th Percentile $64,400
90th Percentile $79,120

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$52,583
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$48,708
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$47,601
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$46,494
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Des Moines

Education

Most sheet metal worker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sheet Metal Worker Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open sheet metal worker positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median sheet metal worker salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $31,280 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,922, a sheet metal worker in Des Moines earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for sheet metal worker pay? ▼
Des Moines's median sheet metal worker salary of $50,922 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $49,262. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a sheet metal worker salary of $50,922 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sheet metal worker in Des Moines? ▼
Most sheet metal worker positions in Des Moines 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.