Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Paterson, NJ: $58,118 (2026)

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

Paterson offers a median sheet metal worker salary of $58,118, which is $5,534 below the New Jersey state average of $63,652. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $90,300 at the 90th percentile — a $54,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior sheet metal workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,100. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,800

+$1,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,800

+$2,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,100

+$4,100 vs national

Percentile	Paterson	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$35,700	$39,100	$34,000
25th Percentile	$44,100	$48,300	$42,000
Median (50th)	$58,118	$63,652	$55,350
75th Percentile	$73,500	$80,500	$70,000
90th Percentile	$90,300	$98,900	$86,000

Percentile

Paterson

10th Percentile

$35,700

25th Percentile

$44,100

Median (50th)

$58,118

75th Percentile

$73,500

90th Percentile

$90,300

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Paterson

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Paterson

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Paterson, NJ? ▼

The median sheet metal worker salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $58,118 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $35,700 (10th percentile) to $90,300 (90th percentile).

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in Paterson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,118, a sheet metal worker in Paterson earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for sheet metal worker pay? ▼

Paterson's median sheet metal worker salary of $58,118 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $63,652. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼

Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a sheet metal worker salary of $58,118 in Paterson 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 Paterson? ▼

Most sheet metal worker positions in Paterson 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.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Paterson, New Jersey