Welder Salary Guide: What You Might Find in Your Career
Welding is critical to the infrastructure of modern life and those skilled in the trade can find opportunity across industries. To be a highly skilled welder, you need knowledge on a wide variety of welding techniques, safety protocols, and a sharp attention to detail. Do your job well and you can build a long and rewarding career. Whether you are just starting out as a welder or have been working in the trade for a while, you can access stable wages, perks, and benefits as a welder.
Want to learn more about what you can expect from a career as a welder? Check out this comprehensive salary guide for welders. Find out what could be in store for you in this dynamic, hands-on career field.
What is the Salary Range for Welders in the United States?
The salary range for welders in the United States can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was nearly $49,000 per year as of May 20231. In the same time period, the highest paid workers earned nearly $73,000 annually1. As a professional welder, you may be able to add to your salary through overtime pay, commission, bonuses, and specializations. Your pay may also be affected by where you live and work.
What Regions Have Higher Pay for Welders?
Where you live can greatly impact how much you earn as a welder. For example, Alaska with its huge gas and oil industries, pays top dollar for welders2. But if you want to live in the lower 48, there are other states that provide earnings above the national average including Colorado3, Connecticut4, Maryland5, and New Jersey6.
What Factors Affect Welders' Salaries?
In addition to your specialization, skills, and location, the industry you serve can impact your salary. For example, may all provide opportunity to earn more if you take the time to master the craft.
There are plenty of other welding specializations you can look into based on your personal interests that also can lead to very fulfilling careers. Other positions you can specialize in as a welder include7.
- Welder Fabricator
- Pipeline Welder
- Welding Inspector
- Shipfitter
- Boilermaker
- Welding Educator
Where is the Most Demand for Welders
Like salaries, demand for your welding services will vary depending on where you live. States with demand above the national average include Connecticut8, Illinois9, Texas10, Tennessee11, and Maryland12. All project high employment growth rates.
What Career Growth is Available for Welders?
In addition to overtime and commission opportunities, your salary can also be bumped up as you learn more skills and acquire licenses and certifications. Advancement to inspector or managerial roles can lead to increased responsibility, status, and higher earning potential. An apprenticeship in a specialized skill may also be available to provide you with in-depth training while you earn money. And as with any job, the more you learn, the more likely you are to earn more.
What Certifications Do Welders Get?
In many cases, you have a better opportunity for a higher paying position if you can show your employer, you have the credentials of a skilled welder. One way to do this is by earning certifications. A welding program at a technical school can help you prepare for your career and certifications. The provides education for a welding certification, and the requires you to complete their training on electrical safety before you can start as a welder.
Welder Benefits
You may be eligible for welder employee benefits such as health insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans, disability coverage, paid time off, tool allowances, and even stock options if you work for a publicly traded company. Ask about performance-based bonuses and tuition reimbursement for certifications.
There are many factors to consider when you look for employment as a welder in any industry. Much of it will depend on your skillset, education credentials, and where you live or want to work. Once you are well trained in the field, consider all these factors before you make your decision about where to work and train to become a professional welder.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved October 1, 2024
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved November 26, 2024
3 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
4 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
5 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
6 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
7 American Welding Society. Retrieved October 1, 2024
8 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
9 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
10 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
11 O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 1, 2024
12 O*NET OnLine.. Retrieved October 1, 2024