Trades & Labor Kentucky (KY) Rank #47 of 50

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Kentucky

The median sheet metal worker salary in Kentucky is $48,155 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$48,155
vs National
$-7,195
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Sheet Metal Worker Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #47 out of 50 states for sheet metal worker compensation. Sheet Metal Worker salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $48,155 per year, sheet metal workers in Kentucky earn $7,195 less than the national median of $55,350.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $48,155 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $55,351 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: sheet metal workers at the 10th percentile earn $29,580, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $74,820 — a $45,240 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $51,476.

Nationally, sheet metal worker employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for sheet metal workers across the country.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $31,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,340 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $29,580
25th Percentile $36,540
Median (50th) $48,155
75th Percentile $60,900
90th Percentile $74,820

Sheet Metal Worker Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for sheet metal workers in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Kentucky

Education

Most sheet metal worker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Sheet Metal FabricationHVAC DuctworkWeldingBlueprint ReadingMeasurementSafety

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, sheet metal worker employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Kentucky? ▼
The median sheet metal worker salary in Kentucky is $48,155 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $29,580 (10th percentile) to $74,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,155, a sheet metal worker in Kentucky earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for sheet metal workers? ▼
Kentucky ranks #47 out of 50 states for sheet metal worker pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level sheet metal workers earn $31,320, while senior professionals earn $71,340.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for sheet metal worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sheet metal workers is Hawaii at $98,523. Kentucky's median of $48,155 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($48,155) and Kansas ($48,155).
What is the entry-level sheet metal worker salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level sheet metal worker in Kentucky earns approximately $31,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,340.
What city in Kentucky pays sheet metal workers the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for sheet metal workers, with a median salary of $51,476. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.