Welder Salary Guide 2025
Considering starting a career in welding? But not quite sure if it’s worth the effort? One of the biggest concerns is salary: what pay scale one can expect, how much it changes with experience and specializations, and which industries pay well.
This is a complete welder salary guide for anyone who needs to know about the average welding salary, the factors that influence earnings, how pay differs across states, and which industries offer the best opportunities.
What is the Average Welder Salary in the United States?
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), welders earn a median annual wage of about $51,000, which is roughly $24.50 per hour. This figure also includes related occupations such as brazers, metal cutters, and solderers.
The median represents the middle point of earnings – half of workers make more and half make less – which makes it a more realistic benchmark for most welders.
There’s another metric often used to measure pay: the mean (average) salary, which can be skewed by outliers at the high and low ends of the scale. As per Indeed, the average welder salary in the United States is about $50,336 per year, with salaries starting around $36,000 and going above $70,000. This wide range reflects differences in skills, industries, and locations.
The subsequent sections break down the key factors that shape pay and provide a clearer picture of what different types of welding jobs actually offer.
Key Factors that Influence a Welder’s Pay
A better perspective could be obtained if we break down the core determinants of pay – what actually shapes a welder’s salary and how.
Experience and Skill Level
Like any other field, experience is one of the most critical drivers of pay. Entry-level or apprentice welders usually earn salaries below the median, often starting between $30,000 and $35,000 per year. With 5 years of experience, welders can expect to earn $50,000 to $70,000, and more in specialized industries.
Industry and Sector
Welding jobs exist across nearly all sectors: construction, pipeline, manufacturing, aerospace, and more. The nature of the work varies, and so does the pay.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), automotive and machinery manufacturing employ large numbers of welders with average salaries around $47,310, while highly specialized sectors (although they employ very less), like aerospace and underwater, have much higher averages, reaching about $102,900.
Certifications
Welding is a vocational skill, but documented proof of ability is mostly necessary. Certifications from bodies like the American Welding Society (AWS) are not only required for many industrial jobs but also give welders an edge in pay. We have detailed a complete process on how to get a welding certificate in a separate post.
For example, the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential significantly boosts earnings. ZipRecruiter reports that CWIs average $66,492, well above the national median of $51,000.
Specialization and Welding Process
Precision welding processes such as MIG and TIG welding, or demanding jobs like pipe welding, pay more than basic shop welding. At the far end of the scale, specialized fields such as underwater (hyperbaric) welding or aerospace welding command premiums, sometimes exceeding $300,000 annually. More detail on specific welding salaries is covered in the next section.
Geographic Location
Cost of living and local industry demand shape salaries. Isolated states such as Alaska or Hawaii offer above-average pay, while in rural or lower-cost states, the welder’s wage sits below the national median. A detailed state-by-state breakdown is provided in the later sections.
Union vs Non-Union
Union welders typically earn more and enjoy better benefits than their non-union peers. Research found that union members often earn 10–20% more than their counterparts. Unions actually enforce wage scales and seniority systems that push earnings up. Although non-union welders may have more flexible job arrangements, they generally accept lower base pay.
Welder Salary by Type and Specialization
Different welding roles can have very different pay scales. Below are typical salary ranges for common welder specializations, sourced from Indeed and Zip Recruiter:
MIG Welder Salary
Metal Insert Gas (MIG) welding is considered a basic to intermediate process, so pay is moderate compared to other specializations. The average hourly wage is $21.53, which translates to about $49,000–$52,000 per year.
TIG Welder Salary
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding requires high precision and typically pays more than MIG welding due to the skill involved. The average hourly rate is around $24.40, while annual salaries average about $58,000.
Pipe Welder Salary
Pipe welders work on high-pressure piping (oil/gas pipelines, refineries, etc.) and are among the highest-paid welders. Their average hourly rate is $30.58, with annual salaries falling between 67,000 to 75,000
Underwater Welder Salary
Underwater welding is often portrayed as “high-risk, high-pay,” but average salaries are more moderate. Their average hourly rate is around $22 per hour. As per AWS, entry-level underwater welders make $40,000 to $60,000.
Yes, pay is high, but only for very experienced commercial divers (with welding and diving skills), around $80,000 to over $150,000 annually
Certified Welding Inspector
A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a quality-control specialist who inspects welds. It’s more of a career advancement that most welders aspire to achieve.
CWIs earn well above the median because they oversee welding on important projects. Entry-level wage for a CWI in training might be lower, but fully certified CWIs regularly earn $30–$45 per hour. Annual salary goes over $86,000.
| Specialization | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| MIG Welder | $21.53 | $50,000 |
| TIG Welder | $24.40 | $58,000 |
| Pipe Welder | $30.58 | $71,000 |
| Underwater Welder | $22.00 | $40,000 – $60,000 (entry) $80,000 – $150,000 (experienced) |
| CWI (Inspector) | $30 – $45 | $86,000+ |
Welder Salary by State and Location
Pay varies dramatically by location due to cost of living, industry mix, and demand for skilled labor. Below are the states with the highest and lowest average wages for welders, based on the most recent BLS data.
Top 10 States with the Highest Welders’ Salary
If we look at the trends, the average welder’s salary is significantly higher in Alaska and Hawaii, which may be due to geographic isolation, higher living costs, and the need to attract skilled labor from outside.
| Rank | State | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $38.08 | $79,210 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $36.34 | $75,590 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $32.14 | $66,860 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $31.60 | $65,730 |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $30.34 | $63,110 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $29.47 | $61,300 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $29.33 | $61,000 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $29.13 | $60,590 |
| 9 | Maryland | $28.74 | $59,780 |
| 10 | New York | $28.59 | $59,480 |
5 States with the Lowest Welders’ Salary
Tennessee, Arkansas, and South Dakota are among the regions with the lowest hourly rates for welders. However, that’s because they have lower costs of living and a stronger concentration of agriculture, light manufacturing, and service-based industries
| State | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $22.80 | $47,430 |
| South Dakota | $22.45 | $46,700 |
| Arkansas | $22.29 | $46,370 |
| Tennessee | $21.85 | $45,440 |
| Puerto Rico | $13.48 | $28,040 |
Metropolitan vs Non-metropolitan Areas
Pay differences are also evident within states, where metropolitan regions have higher wages than rural areas. We have compared a few top-paying metro areas with non-metro areas to give you a perspective.
| Metropolitan Areas | Hourly Mean Wage IN MA | Annual Mean Wage IN MA | Non-Metropolitan Areas | Hourly Mean Wage IN NMA | Annual Mean Wage IN NMA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks, Alaska | 2.13 | $85,020 | North Texas Region of Texas | 10.09 | $51,500 |
| Urban Honolulu, Hawaii | 1.09 | $76,150 | Kansas | 7.82 | $48,610 |
| Anchorage, Alaska | 1.20 | $71,860 | West Northwestern Ohio | 9.55 | $48,610 |
| Baton Rouge, Louisana | 9.03 | $70,500 | North Northeastern Ohio | 7.55 | $47,970 |
Highest Paying Industries for Welders
As mentioned earlier, welding is employed in nearly every sector. However, certain sectors consistently pay more for welders due to the skills and risks involved. Among the top-paying industries are:
Air Transportation
Welders here work on aircraft repair, structural maintenance, and precision components. Though only 0.01% of welders are employed in this field, the pay scale is among the highest With an average of $49.47 per hour and earnings of $102,900 annually, you can estimate the high level of skill required.
Electric Power Sector
This industry employs only 0.29% of welders, but salaries are consistently high due to the technical nature of the work. Welders are engaged in maintaining and repairing power generation plants, transmission systems, and distribution equipment. Average pay stands at $48.67 per hour, or $101,220 annually.
Natural Gas Extraction and Distribution
Roughly 0.81% of welders work in this sector that supports the oil and gas industry through pipeline welding and infrastructure projects. The work can be physically demanding and often takes place in remote locations, but pay is very good: $41.92 per hour, or about $87,180 annually.
Ship and Boat Building
Another sector with a significant employment share, around 9.65%. Welders in this sector are involved in assembling and repairing both commercial and military vessels. The pay averages $27.82 per hour, translating to around $57,870 annually.
Machinery and Auto Manufacturing
Welders here work on vehicles, heavy machinery, and production equipment. Pay averages $24.21 per hour, translating to about $50,350 annually. It may not be the highest-paying sector, but it provides stable and consistent employment to many.
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
It’s a mid-range sector but with very high job opportunities, about 13.68% of jobs in the field. Multiple activities come under the umbrella, such as producing structural metal parts, tanks, and hand tools. Average wages are $23.82 per hour, or roughly $49,550 annually.
| Industry | % of Welding Jobs | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation | 0.01 | $49.47 | $102,900 |
| Electric Power Sector | 0.29 | $48.67 | $101,220 |
| Natural Gas Extraction & Distribution | 0.81 | $41.92 | $87,180 |
| Ship and Boat Building | 9.65 | $27.82 | $57,870 |
| Machinery and Auto Manufacturing | 7.77 | $24.21 | $50,350 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 13.68 | $23.82 | $49,550 |
Ready to Start Your High-Earning Welding Career? Get the Right Tools
As we have seen, welding not only offers solid salaries and long-term stability, but also gives you a skill that is practical and creative.
Like any career, to excel well in your field, getting the right equipment and tools is very important. Currently, if we look at the market options, xTool MetalFab stands out. It’s based on modern laser welding technology, but it’s not just an ordinary welder; but a complete desktop metal studio built into it.
Why xTool Metalfab is Relevant for Beginners/Aspiring Welders
xToolMetalfab is built to make welding accessible for everyone. To reach that goal, we have ensured that it delivers professional-grade performance wrapped in a user-friendly package.
All-in-One Platform: Combines laser welding, CNC metal cutting, and cleaning in one machine, allowing beginners to get exposure to multiple metalworking skills without buying separate machines.
User-Friendly and Safe: The controls are intuitive, the safety features are strong (safety interlock loop, emergency stop, grip-sensing buttons), and many parameters are preset.
Precision Practice: Laser welding makes narrow, clean welds with minimal heat-affected zones. Dual cameras (panoramic + close-range) help position and track the work accurately.
Ready to get into a creative and lucrative venture? With xTool Metalfab, the first step has never been easier. Explore it today and see how it can jumpstart your welding journey.
