Sheet Metal Talent Report: Midwestern United States
Reshoring, EV, and mission-critical work in Ohio and the Great Lakes are compressing the historical Midwest discount.
$143k
4.2% YoY
Chicago, IL
$170k
2,455
432 active
60%
10 metros
Regional mid compensation by role
Role-by-role compensation bands
| Role | Region low | Region mid | Region high | Top metro | Value metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet Metal Foreman | $98k | $119k | $150k | Chicago, IL ($130k) | Kansas City, MO ($115k) |
| VDC / BIM Detailer | $90k | $109k | $137k | Chicago, IL ($119k) | Kansas City, MO ($106k) |
| VDC / BIM Manager | $129k | $156k | $196k | Chicago, IL ($170k) | Kansas City, MO ($152k) |
| Mechanical Superintendent | $118k | $143k | $180k | Chicago, IL ($157k) | Kansas City, MO ($139k) |
Ranges reflect Gulfstream placement data (2024–Q1 2026) cross-checked against BLS OEWS. Mid = midpoint for 8–15 yr experience; low/high apply a ±15% envelope for junior and senior seniority.
Metros covered in this report
- Chicago, IL×1.08
- Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN×1.03
- Detroit, MI×1.00
- Cleveland, OH×0.97
- Columbus, OH×0.97
- Cincinnati, OH×0.96
- Indianapolis, IN×0.96
- Kansas City, MO×0.96
- St. Louis, MO×0.97
- Milwaukee, WI×0.98
Cite or embed this report
Suggested citation
Gulfstream Strategic Placements. "Sheet Metal Comp Report — Midwest 2026 | Gulfstream SP." Regional Trade Reports, January 2026. https://gulfstreamsp.com/reports/midwest/sheet-metalEmbed link (rel=canonical to this page)
<a href="https://gulfstreamsp.com/reports/midwest/sheet-metal">Sheet Metal Comp Report — Midwest 2026 | Gulfstream SP — Gulfstream Strategic Placements</a>Hiring Sheet Metal talent in Midwest?
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