Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Illinois (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Sheet Metal Workers in Illinois, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Illinois Median
$86,630
per year
Hourly Rate
$41.65
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+40% vs US median
US median $61,800
State Rank
#5 of 50
3,260 employed here

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Illinois?

A Sheet Metal Worker working in Illinois earns a median salary of $86,630 per year, or about $41.65 per hour. That is 40% above the national median of $61,800 for this occupation.

Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $42,220 while the top 10% make $117,910 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $59,400 and $105,330 a year.

Sheet Metal Worker salary range in Illinois

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$42,220$20.30
25th percentile (early career)$59,400$28.56
50th percentile (median)$86,630$41.65
75th percentile (experienced)$105,330$50.64
90th percentile (top earners)$117,910$56.69

How Illinois compares

Illinois ranks 5th out of 50 states and territories for Sheet Metal Worker pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$98,550
2Hawaii$96,350
3Alaska$94,600
4New Jersey$92,840
5Illinois$86,630

Working as a Sheet Metal Worker in Illinois

Nationally, about 120,000 people work as Sheet Metal Workers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($86,630) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Illinois?
The median Sheet Metal Worker salary in Illinois is $86,630 per year, or about $41.65 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $42,220 at the entry level to $117,910 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Sheet Metal Workers about 40% more than the national median of $61,800. Illinois ranks 5th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Sheet Metal Workers?
Yes on pay — Illinois pays above the national median for this occupation, at $86,630 a year. About 3,260 Sheet Metal Workers are employed in Illinois. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
The highest-paying occupations in Illinois include Cardiologist ($517,850), Surgeon, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologist ($435,750), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Sheet Metal Worker salary report

Related salaries

Painters, Construction and Maintenance

$49,400
median pay · 225,000 employed

Fence Erector

$47,980
median pay · 24,000 employed

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

$49,120
median pay · 44,000 employed

Rock Splitter, Quarry

$48,740
median pay · 3,000 employed

Carpet Installer

$50,340
median pay · 14,000 employed

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

$70,070
median pay · 20,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.