Abstract: Objective To characterize the noise intensity and spectral profiles in high-noise workplaces within the metal manufacturing industry in Foshan and to provide evidence-based insights for targeted noise control and management measures. Methods A purposive sampling method was employed to select 218 metal manufacturing enterprises in Foshan, which were included in the special monitoring program for occupational hazards in workplaces from 2022 to 2024. Noise intensity measurements were conducted, and for high-noise workplaces with noise levels ≥ 85.0 dB(A), the spectral data were recorded using Z-weighting. Cluster analysis was applied to analyze the noise spectral characteristics across different workplaces. Results Of 218 metal manufacturing enterprises, 189 were micro-and small-scale enterprises (86.7%). A total of 1 182 workplaces were measured for noise intensity, with 802 workplaces (noise non-compliance rate was 67.8%) exceeding 85.0 dB(A). Cluster analysis identified three primary categories of noise sources. Category 1 included three types, namely, grinders, machine tools, and polishing machines, characterized as low-frequency narrow-band noise; Category 2 included six types, namely, packaging machines, stamping machines, punching machines, welding machines, spray guns, and cutting machines, characterized as mid-frequency narrow-band noise; Category 3 included five types, namely, lathes, shearing machines, material cutting machines, bending machines, and assembly machines, characterized as high-frequency narrow-band noise. Conclusions Noise hazards in the metal manufacturing industry in Foshan were relatively severe. It is recommended that enterprises implement effective engineering control measures and hearing protection measures tailored to the noise spectral characteristics identified at workplaces.