Trades & Labor Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median sheet metal worker salary in Columbia, SC is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$49,815
vs State Avg
+$553
vs National
$-5,535
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median sheet metal worker salary of $49,815, which is $553 above the South Carolina state average of $49,262. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $77,400 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,400, while senior sheet metal workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $32,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $49,815
75th Percentile $63,000
90th Percentile $77,400

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$58,118
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$55,350
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$52,583
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$50,922
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Columbia

Education

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

Find Sheet Metal Worker Jobs in Columbia

Browse open sheet metal worker positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Columbia

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median sheet metal worker salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $77,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,815, a sheet metal worker in Columbia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for sheet metal worker pay? ▼
Columbia's median sheet metal worker salary of $49,815 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $49,262. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a sheet metal worker salary of $49,815 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼
Most sheet metal worker positions in Columbia 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.