If you are looking for a welder salary in the USA, the pay can be different depending on your welding skill, experience, industry, location, certification and the type of welding work you do. In May 2025, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $53,750, which is about $25.84 per hour. Some entry-level welders earn closer to the lower end of the pay range, while experienced and highly skilled welders can make much more, especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, oil and gas, and specialty trade work. In this guide, we look at how much a welder makes per hour, average welder salary per year, welder salary per month, starting pay, experienced welder pay, and welder salary by state in the USA. We also look at some of the highest paying states and the factors that can help a welder earn more.
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Welder Salary in the USA
A welder is a skilled trade worker who joins metal parts by using heat, pressure, or a combination of different welding methods. Welders are needed in many parts of the American economy, including manufacturing, construction, transportation equipment, repair and maintenance, ship and boat building, and other metal-related industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $53,750 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was about $25.84 per hour. This means half of workers in this occupation earned more than $53,750 and half earned less. The actual welder salary can be higher or lower depending on where a person works and what kind of welding they perform.
The BLS wage data also shows a wide range of pay. The lowest 10 percent of workers earned less than $39,240 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,530 per year. So, a welder starting a career and a highly experienced welder may have very different income even when both have the same basic job title.
Welders who work overtime, travel for specialized projects, work in difficult environments, or have advanced welding skills may have opportunities to earn above the normal median salary. On the other hand, entry-level workers may start at a lower wage while they are building experience and learning different welding processes.
How Much Does a Welder Make in the USA?
The simple answer is that the typical welder makes around $53,750 a year based on the latest May 2025 BLS median wage data. But this number should not be treated as a fixed salary for every welder. Welding is a hands-on trade and pay can change a lot based on the employer, state, industry and skill level.
For someone searching for “how much does a welder make,” it is useful to look at both the median salary and the wider wage range. A worker near the lower end may make under $40,000 per year, while a skilled worker near the upper end can make more than $77,000 per year. Some specialized welding jobs can also pay considerably more than the general occupation wage, especially when overtime or difficult working conditions are involved.
- Median welder salary: $53,750 per year
- Median welder hourly pay: $25.84 per hour
- Lower 10 percent: less than $39,240 per year
- Upper 10 percent: more than $77,530 per year
- National mean annual wage: $56,760
The national mean salary is a little higher than the median because higher-paid workers can pull the average upward. For salary searches, the median is often easier to understand because it represents the middle worker in the occupation.
Welder Salary Per Hour
Many people search for welder salary per hour because welding jobs are often advertised with an hourly rate instead of an annual salary. The national median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers was about $25.84 per hour in May 2025.
At a simple full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, $25.84 per hour would equal roughly $53,750 for a year before taxes. Actual yearly income can be different because welders may work overtime, different shifts, seasonal projects or irregular hours.
Hourly pay also changes between states. For example, a welder in Alaska or Hawaii can have a much higher median annual wage than a welder in Arkansas or Tennessee. This is one reason that looking only at a national welder salary does not tell the complete story.
Welder Salary Per Month
Using the national median annual salary of $53,750, a welder's gross monthly pay is roughly $4,479 per month before federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, Medicare and other deductions.
This is an estimated monthly conversion from the annual median salary, not a guaranteed paycheck. The amount a welder actually receives in a bank account can be lower after taxes and benefits. A welder who works overtime or receives shift premiums can also have a higher monthly income.
- Annual median salary: $53,750
- Approximate monthly gross pay: $4,479
- Approximate weekly gross pay: $1,034
- Median hourly wage: $25.84
Welder Salary by State
Welder pay can change significantly from one state to another. The following table uses the May 2025 BLS OEWS median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. This gives a useful comparison of welder salary by state across the United States.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,490 |
| Alaska | $80,840 |
| Arizona | $55,600 |
| Arkansas | $47,970 |
| California | $58,060 |
| Colorado | $58,590 |
| Connecticut | $64,880 |
| Delaware | $57,270 |
| Florida | $50,640 |
| Georgia | $48,430 |
| Hawaii | $79,000 |
| Idaho | $50,530 |
| Illinois | $51,320 |
| Indiana | $49,730 |
| Iowa | $55,090 |
| Kansas | $49,410 |
| Kentucky | $51,470 |
| Louisiana | $62,250 |
| Maine | $62,220 |
| Maryland | $60,310 |
| Massachusetts | $62,570 |
| Michigan | $49,990 |
| Minnesota | $60,280 |
| Mississippi | $51,100 |
| Missouri | $51,950 |
| Montana | $55,610 |
| Nebraska | $52,220 |
| Nevada | $61,520 |
| New Hampshire | $62,360 |
| New Jersey | $59,440 |
| New Mexico | $59,840 |
| New York | $59,140 |
| North Carolina | $50,590 |
| North Dakota | $62,000 |
| Ohio | $50,340 |
| Oklahoma | $49,720 |
| Oregon | $59,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,900 |
| Rhode Island | $50,580 |
| South Carolina | $49,980 |
| South Dakota | $49,440 |
| Tennessee | $48,040 |
| Texas | $53,340 |
| Utah | $58,380 |
| Vermont | $60,890 |
| Virginia | $59,180 |
| Washington | $63,020 |
| West Virginia | $48,810 |
| Wisconsin | $58,410 |
| Wyoming | $63,820 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. State figures shown above are median annual wages for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (SOC 51-4121).
Highest Paying States for Welders
Not every state pays welders the same salary. Location is one of the biggest things that can change a welder's income in the USA. Some states have more shipbuilding, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, heavy equipment and industrial projects, so skilled welders can find better paying work in those areas.
Based on the May 2025 wage data used for this article, Alaska is one of the highest-paying states for welders, with a median annual wage of about $80,840. Hawaii is also near the top at about $79,000. Other states with relatively high welder pay include Connecticut, Wyoming, Washington, Louisiana and Maine.
However, the highest salary does not always mean the best financial situation. Cost of living, housing, travel costs and the availability of steady welding work also matter. A welder making more money in an expensive location may not always keep more money than someone earning a little less in a lower-cost area.
How Much Does an Entry Level Welder Make?
An entry level welder salary is normally lower than the national median because a new welder is still building practical skills. A person entering welding may start in a fabrication shop, manufacturing plant, construction company or repair business.
Entry-level pay can commonly fall in the lower part of the occupation's national wage range. As the worker becomes better at reading blueprints, preparing metal, controlling heat and producing clean welds, the pay can increase.
New welders should not look only at the starting hourly rate. A job that provides training, overtime, certification support and experience with different welding processes can be valuable for future salary growth.
- Entry-level welding jobs may start around the lower end of local market wages.
- Basic MIG welding can be a common starting point for new welders.
- Experience with pipe, structural or precision welding can lead to better opportunities.
- Overtime can increase yearly income above the normal base wage.
- Certification can help a welder qualify for more specialized jobs.
Experienced Welder Salary
An experienced welder salary can be much better than starting pay. Welders with several years of hands-on experience can usually work faster, understand different metals, read technical drawings and handle more difficult welding positions.
Experience becomes especially valuable when a welder can work with more than one process. Employers may look for workers who understand MIG, TIG, stick welding, flux-cored welding or specialized pipe welding instead of someone who can perform only one basic process.
Experienced welders may also move into lead welder, welding inspector, welding supervisor or specialized welding positions. These career steps can increase earning potential without leaving the welding industry completely.
Do Welders Make Good Money?
Yes, welding can be a good-paying skilled trade in the USA, but the answer depends on the type of welding job. The national median pay of about $53,750 is a solid income for a skilled trade, and experienced workers can earn more. Some specialty welding jobs have much higher earning potential.
The highest earning opportunities are usually connected with difficult work, special certifications, travel, overtime, hazardous environments or industries where welding quality is very important. A normal production welder and a highly specialized pipe or underwater welder should not be expected to have the same salary.
Current welding career information also shows that specialty paths can have significantly different pay levels. For example, underwater welding combines welding with commercial diving and can offer higher earning potential, but it also requires additional training and comes with much more demanding working conditions.
MIG Welder Salary
MIG welder salary is one of the common searches because MIG, or gas metal arc welding, is widely used in manufacturing, fabrication, automotive work and construction-related production.
MIG welding is often one of the easier welding processes for a new worker to enter, but that does not mean experienced MIG welders cannot earn good money. Pay depends heavily on the industry, employer, location and the type of metal and production work involved.
Current job-market data from Indeed lists an average MIG welder pay of about $22.11 per hour, although individual jobs can be considerably lower or higher. This type of figure changes over time and should be treated as a market estimate rather than a BLS occupation-wide wage.
- MIG welding is widely used in manufacturing.
- Automotive and metal fabrication are common areas for MIG welders.
- Production welding can provide steady full-time employment.
- Advanced skills and certifications can improve earning opportunities.
- Location and overtime can make a large difference in yearly pay.
TIG Welder Salary
TIG welder salary can be higher than basic production welding when the worker has strong precision skills. TIG, also called gas tungsten arc welding, is often used where weld quality and appearance are very important.
TIG welders may work with stainless steel, aluminum and other metals that require careful control. They can find opportunities in aerospace, food equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, specialty fabrication and other industries where clean and accurate welds are important.
Because TIG welding requires more control and practice, developing this skill can be a useful way for a welder to move beyond entry-level production work. However, TIG pay still varies by employer and location, so there is no single national TIG salary that applies to every worker.
Pipeline Welder Salary
Pipeline welder salary is another high-interest search because pipeline welding can offer higher earnings than many general welding jobs. Pipeline welders work on systems used to transport oil, natural gas, water and other materials.
Pipeline work can involve travel, outdoor conditions, remote job sites and long work schedules. Current 2026 job-market data shows pipeline welding positions around the $70,000 level in some markets, while experienced workers with strong certifications and travel-heavy work can earn considerably more. These figures are job-market estimates rather than the BLS national wage for all welders.
Pipeline welders commonly need strong pipe welding skills and may need qualifications based on the standards required by the employer or project. A 6G pipe welding qualification can be particularly useful for workers targeting pipe and pipeline work.
- Pipeline welding can require significant travel.
- Remote projects may offer additional pay or allowances.
- Overtime can increase annual income.
- Pipe welding skills can open higher-paying industrial jobs.
- Work may be seasonal or project based depending on the employer.
Underwater Welder Salary
Underwater welder salary is often searched by people looking for the highest-paying welding careers. Underwater welding is a specialized occupation that combines welding knowledge with commercial diving skills.
Underwater welders can work on ships, offshore structures, pipelines, dams and other underwater construction or repair projects. The work is technically demanding and the working environment is very different from a normal welding shop.
The American Welding Society says underwater welding requires both welding and commercial diving credentials. Its current career information reports an entry-level salary around $62,000 and national median pay around $68,000 based on Lightcast 2025 data, while experienced commercial diving welders can have significantly higher earning potential depending on the project.
It is important not to believe every very large salary number found online. Underwater welding pay can change dramatically by depth, location, project, experience, offshore work and diving specialty. High-end earnings are possible, but they are not the normal salary for every underwater welder.
Certified Welder Salary
A certified welder salary can be higher when certification allows the worker to qualify for jobs that require specific welding skills. Certification alone does not automatically increase pay, but it can help a welder compete for more technical positions.
Employers may require different qualifications depending on the work. Structural welding, pipe welding, pressure systems, aerospace work and other specialized fields can have different testing and quality requirements.
- Certification can show that a welder has passed a practical welding test.
- Some jobs require specific welding processes or positions.
- Pipe and structural certifications can expand job opportunities.
- Additional skills can help experienced welders negotiate better pay.
- Certification is more useful when combined with real job experience.
How Experience Can Increase Welder Salary
Welding is a career where practical experience matters a lot. A new worker may know the basic theory but still need time to become fast and consistent on real job sites. With experience, welders can become more valuable because they can handle difficult work with less supervision.
Experience with different metals, welding positions and processes can make a big difference. A welder who can troubleshoot problems and produce strong welds consistently may have access to better positions than someone limited to basic production work.
Some welders also move into inspection, supervision or welding technology roles. This can provide another route for salary growth while still using the knowledge gained from welding.
What Factors Affect Welder Salary?
There is no single answer to what a welder should earn. Two welders with the same job title can have very different pay because of their skills and work conditions.
- Location: Some states and cities pay higher wages than others.
- Experience: Experienced welders generally have access to more advanced jobs.
- Certification: Specialized certifications can qualify workers for specific projects.
- Industry: Manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and industrial work can have different pay levels.
- Welding process: MIG, TIG, stick and specialized pipe welding have different skill requirements.
- Overtime: Long hours can increase annual earnings.
- Travel: Some traveling jobs offer additional compensation or allowances.
- Working conditions: Difficult, remote or hazardous work can come with higher compensation.
Welder Salary by Industry
Welders work in many industries, so salary can also depend on where the welding is being performed. A manufacturing shop may have a different pay structure from a construction contractor or shipyard.
Industrial and heavy manufacturing jobs may require welders to work with large equipment and complex metal structures. Construction welders can work outdoors and may travel between job sites. Shipbuilding and repair can require specialized welding skills and strict quality controls.
For this reason, someone comparing welding jobs should look beyond the job title. The industry, schedule, overtime policy, benefits and required certifications can be just as important as the advertised hourly wage.
Is Welding a Good Career in the USA?
Welding can be a good career for people who enjoy hands-on work and do not want a traditional office job. It is a skilled trade that does not always require a four-year college degree, although training and practical education are still important.
The job can be physically demanding. Welders may spend long periods standing, bending, lifting materials and working around heat, sparks, fumes and loud equipment. Proper protective equipment and following workplace safety rules are very important.
The BLS projects about 40,300 openings per year for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers over the 2025–2035 period. Overall employment is projected to grow more slowly, but openings are expected because workers leave the occupation and new workers are needed.
For someone who is willing to learn, gain certifications and move into specialized welding, the career can provide a useful path to higher earnings over time.
Welder Salary With Overtime
Overtime can make a noticeable difference in a welder's yearly income. Many welding jobs are paid by the hour, so working extra hours can increase total pay when the employer offers overtime at a higher rate.
For example, a welder earning $25 per hour may receive a higher overtime rate for hours worked above the normal schedule, depending on the employer and applicable labor rules. A worker who regularly gets overtime can therefore earn much more in a year than the basic salary calculation suggests.
Overtime is more common in some industries and projects than others. Construction projects, shutdown work, manufacturing deadlines, ship repair and industrial maintenance can sometimes require workers to put in additional hours.
- Overtime can increase annual welder income.
- Some industrial projects have long working schedules.
- Shutdown and maintenance projects may need extra workers for a limited period.
- Travel welding jobs may include overtime opportunities.
- Always compare the base hourly rate and expected working hours before accepting a job.
Welder Salary With Travel Jobs
Travel welding jobs can be attractive for experienced welders who are willing to work away from home. Companies may need welders for projects in different states, remote industrial locations, construction sites, shipyards or energy projects.
A traveling welder may receive more than the normal local wage, but the total compensation package can vary. Some employers provide travel reimbursement, lodging, per diem or other allowances, while others may simply offer a higher hourly wage.
This is why a travel welder should not compare jobs using hourly pay only. A job paying $32 per hour with accommodation and travel expenses covered could be more valuable than a job paying $35 per hour where the worker has to pay for housing and transportation.
Welder Benefits and Other Compensation
Salary is only one part of a welding job's total compensation. Full-time welders may receive benefits depending on the employer. Large manufacturing companies, government contractors and established industrial employers may offer a more complete benefits package than a small shop.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Retirement plans such as a 401(k)
- Overtime pay
- Shift differential
- Training and certification support
- Travel allowance or per diem for some jobs
- Life and disability insurance in some workplaces
When comparing a welder salary, these benefits should also be considered. A slightly lower hourly wage can sometimes come with better health insurance, retirement contributions and paid time off.
How to Increase Your Welder Salary
A welder does not have to stay at the same pay level throughout the whole career. Learning additional processes, getting experience in specialized work and moving into industries that need skilled welders can improve earning potential.
The first step is usually becoming very good at the basics. Weld quality, safety, blueprint reading and the ability to work independently are important skills. After that, a welder can start developing specialty skills.
- Learn multiple welding processes.
- Improve blueprint and technical drawing skills.
- Learn pipe welding and different welding positions.
- Get relevant welding certifications.
- Build experience with stainless steel and aluminum.
- Look for industrial or specialized welding positions.
- Consider construction, shipbuilding or heavy manufacturing.
- Be open to travel when higher-paying projects are available.
- Take overtime when the additional income makes sense.
- Develop leadership skills for lead welder or supervisor positions.
Welding Certifications and Salary Growth
Certification can be useful for a welder who wants to move into more specialized work. Employers may test welders according to the requirements of a particular job, project or industry.
For example, a worker who wants to move from basic shop welding into pipe welding may need to demonstrate skills in different positions and processes. Structural welding and other specialized work can also have their own qualification requirements.
The important point is that certification is not a magic salary increase. A certificate by itself does not guarantee a higher paycheck. It becomes more valuable when it helps the welder qualify for jobs that have higher skill requirements.
Welder Career Progression
A person can start as an entry-level welder and gradually move into more skilled positions. Welding can therefore be more than just a first trade job. With enough experience, some workers move into inspection, supervision, training or welding technology.
A common career path can look like this:
- Entry-Level Welder
- Production Welder
- Experienced Welder
- Certified or Specialized Welder
- Lead Welder
- Welding Inspector or Quality Control Role
- Welding Supervisor
- Welding Manager or Technical Specialist
Not every welder follows this exact path. Some prefer to stay on the tools and become highly specialized because specialized field work can also provide strong earning opportunities.
Welder vs Other Skilled Trade Salaries
People searching for welder salary often compare welding with other skilled trades such as electrician, plumber, HVAC technician and automotive mechanic. Each career has a different training requirement, work environment and salary range.
Welding can be attractive because many positions focus on practical skills rather than requiring a four-year college degree. However, welding can also be physically demanding and may expose workers to heat, fumes, noise and other workplace hazards.
The right trade depends on the person's interests and the type of work they want. Someone who likes working with metal and machinery may enjoy welding, while another person may prefer electrical, plumbing or mechanical work.
Welder Job Outlook in the USA
The welding occupation is expected to continue providing job opportunities in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders, cutters, solderers and brazers is projected to grow about 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Although this growth is not very fast, the occupation is still expected to have about 40,300 openings each year over the decade. Many of these openings are expected to come from workers who retire, leave the occupation or move into another career.
This means the future of welding should not be judged only by the employment growth percentage. Skilled workers will still be needed in manufacturing, construction, repair, infrastructure and other industries where metal joining is required.
Is Welder a Good Career Without College?
Welding can be a good career option for someone who does not want to spend four years in a traditional college program. Welders generally learn through technical education, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and practical experience.
That does not mean welding is an easy career. A person needs to learn proper welding techniques, safety procedures, equipment operation and often technical drawings. Specialized jobs can require additional training and testing.
The lower education cost compared with many four-year careers can also make welding attractive. A person can enter the workforce earlier, gain experience and then build toward higher-paying specialty positions.
What Is the Highest Welder Salary?
There is no single maximum salary for all welders because the occupation includes many different types of jobs. The BLS reports that the highest 10 percent of welders, cutters, solderers and brazers earned more than $77,530 per year in May 2025.
Specialized workers can potentially earn more than this figure depending on their industry, location, overtime, travel and type of welding. Pipeline, underwater, industrial and other specialized welding careers can have different compensation structures.
However, very high salary claims found online should be looked at carefully. A salary of $100,000 or more may be possible for some workers in certain situations, but it should not be presented as the normal salary for every welder.
How Much Does a Welder Make After 5 Years?
There is no fixed five-year salary because welding pay depends heavily on location and specialty. A welder with five years of experience may earn considerably more than a new worker if the person has developed valuable skills and certifications.
After several years, many welders become comfortable working independently and may qualify for more difficult jobs. Some move into pipe welding, structural welding, industrial maintenance or other specialties. Others take lead positions where they help manage production and junior welders.
The biggest salary increase usually comes from becoming more valuable to an employer rather than simply waiting for years to pass. Experience combined with useful skills can have a much stronger effect on pay.
Welder Salary: What Should You Expect?
The latest national data gives a useful starting point for understanding welding pay in the USA. The median salary of about $53,750 per year means welding can provide a solid skilled-trade income, while the actual amount a worker earns can be quite different depending on the situation.
A new welder may start near the lower end of the wage range. An experienced welder with certifications and specialty skills can move toward the higher end. Workers willing to travel, work overtime or enter difficult industrial specialties may have additional opportunities to increase their income.
State is also important. The difference between a lower-paying state and a higher-paying state can be tens of thousands of dollars per year. That is why anyone researching a welder salary in the USA should look at both the national number and the salary in the specific state where they plan to work.
Final Thoughts on Welder Salary in the USA
Welder salary in the USA depends on much more than the job title. The national median wage for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers was $53,750 in May 2025, but skilled workers can earn more as they gain experience, certifications and specialized knowledge.
For someone starting this career, the best approach is to build strong basic welding skills first and then look for ways to move into higher-value work. Learning TIG, pipe welding, structural welding or other specialized processes can create more opportunities. Location, overtime and travel can also have a big impact on total income.
Welding is physical work and it comes with safety responsibilities, but it remains an important skilled trade in the United States. For people who enjoy working with metal, machinery and practical hands-on projects, it can provide a career path without requiring a traditional four-year college degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.