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Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a sheet metal worker make in Chicago? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.

Median Salary
$97,970
per year in Chicago
Entry Level
$51,394
Starting salary
Senior Level
$136,516
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how sheet metal worker salaries break down across different pay periods in Chicago.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,394$97,970$136,516
Monthly$4,283$8,164$11,376
Biweekly$1,977$3,768$5,251
Weekly$988$1,884$2,625
Hourly$25$47$66

Chicago vs National Average

How Chicago's sheet metal worker salaries compare to national figures.

Chicago Salary
$97,970
COL Index: 112
National Average
$99,590
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,620
Lower in Chicago

Cost of Living in Chicago

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$58,984
per year
Population
2,693,976
residents
Rent % of Income
34.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chicago have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Sheet Metal Worker

Overview

Fabricate and install sheet metal products and structures.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship preferred

Key Skills

Sheet Metal WorkTool OperationMeasurementWelding

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Sheet Metal Worker Salary

See Sheet Metal Worker salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$77,350
-21%
Los Angeles, CA
$78,560
-20%
Houston, TX
$56,020
-43%
Phoenix, AZ
$53,320
-46%
Philadelphia, PA
$81,140
-17%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a sheet metal worker salary in Chicago.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a sheet metal worker in Chicago, IL is $97,970 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level sheet metal worker professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $51,394 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level sheet metal workers earning approximately $136,516 per year. This represents a 166% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $99,590, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a sheet metal worker's salary in Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 20.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Sheet Metal Workers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Chicago, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.