Trades & Labor Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median sheet metal worker salary in Durham, NC is $52,583 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$52,583
vs State Avg
+$1,661
vs National
$-2,767
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median sheet metal worker salary of $52,583, which is $1,661 above the North Carolina state average of $50,922. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $32,300 at the 10th percentile to $81,700 at the 90th percentile — a $49,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior sheet metal workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $32,300
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $52,583
75th Percentile $66,500
90th Percentile $81,700

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$54,243
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$54,243
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$48,708
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$47,601
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Durham

Education

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

Find Sheet Metal Worker Jobs in Durham

Browse open sheet metal worker positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Durham

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median sheet metal worker salary in Durham, North Carolina is $52,583 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,300 (10th percentile) to $81,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,583, a sheet metal worker in Durham earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for sheet metal worker pay? ▼
Durham's median sheet metal worker salary of $52,583 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $50,922. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a sheet metal worker salary of $52,583 in Durham 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 Durham? ▼
Most sheet metal worker positions in Durham 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.