Welder Hourly Pay: How Much Do Welders Really Make?

Welding is one of the most essential trades in the world, and it remains a career where pay can vary dramatically.

One of the biggest questions people ask before entering the field is: how much do welders really make per hour?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for welders in 2023 was $24.13.

However, some specialized welders, such as those in oil and gas or underwater welding, can earn $40–$70 per hour or more .

The wide pay range is shaped by several factors, including the type of welding, years of experience, industry, and location.

Entry-level welders may start near the minimum wage, while advanced professionals in high-risk jobs command premium hourly rates.

Unlike many careers where pay is relatively stable, welding rewards both skill and specialization.

A certified pipe welder or aerospace TIG welder will almost always earn more per hour than a general fabrication welder.

This guide breaks down welder hourly pay from every angle—by welding type, experience, industry, and region.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how much welders can make at every stage of their career and which paths lead to the highest hourly wages.

Average Hourly Pay for Welders

The average welder earns around $22–$25 per hour, depending on skill and region.

This means a full-time welder working 40 hours a week can expect an annual income of roughly $45,000–$52,000.

Entry-level welders usually start closer to $16–$18 per hour, especially in fabrication shops or small businesses.

As welders gain certifications and experience, their hourly rates steadily climb.

Mid-level welders with a few years of experience often earn $25–$30 per hour in industries like construction and manufacturing.

High-demand fields such as oil and gas or specialized TIG work can pay well above the national average.

The top earners in the trade include pipeline welders and underwater welders, who can make $40–$70 an hour.

These premium wages reflect the difficulty, risk, and skill required for specialized welding jobs.

Overall, welding provides steady entry-level pay with strong opportunities for wage growth.

For motivated welders, hourly pay can double or even triple within a few years of experience and certification.

Hourly Pay by Welding Type

Different welding processes pay different rates because each requires unique skills, environments, and levels of precision.

Here’s a breakdown of how hourly wages vary across common types of welding.

MIG Welders (GMAW)

MIG welders typically earn $18–$25 per hour, making it one of the more accessible entry points in the trade.

This process is widely used in automotive repair and manufacturing, which explains the moderate pay range.

TIG Welders (GTAW)

TIG welders command higher wages due to the precision required, averaging $22–$35 per hour.

Industries like aerospace and medical device manufacturing rely heavily on TIG specialists.

Stick Welders (SMAW)

Stick welders generally make $20–$30 per hour, especially in construction and fieldwork.

Their ability to weld outdoors and in tough conditions keeps demand steady.

Flux-Cored Welders (FCAW)

Flux-cored welders earn around $22–$32 per hour, often working on structural steel and heavy equipment.

This method is valued for speed and efficiency on large-scale projects.

Pipe Welders

Pipe welders are among the highest-paid, often making $30–$45 per hour.

Their specialized certifications and ability to work in 6G positions make them highly sought after.

Underwater Welders

Underwater welders top the charts, with hourly rates ranging from $40 to $70 or more.

The extreme risk and technical difficulty justify their premium pay.

Aerospace and Nuclear Welders

Aerospace and nuclear welders typically earn $35–$50 per hour because of strict safety codes and specialized materials.

These fields require advanced certifications and often years of experience.

Hourly Pay by Experience Level

Welding pay increases steadily with experience, as employers reward skill, consistency, and certifications.

Here’s what welders can expect to earn at different stages of their career.

Apprentice Welders

Apprentice welders usually earn $14–$17 per hour while they are still in training.

The advantage is that apprentices get paid to learn, which offsets the longer timeline.

Entry-Level Welders (0–2 Years)

Entry-level welders typically start at $16–$20 per hour, depending on location and industry.

These jobs usually involve basic fabrication, shop work, or assisting senior welders.

Mid-Level Welders (3–5 Years)

With a few years of experience and certifications, mid-level welders earn $22–$30 per hour.

At this stage, welders can handle multiple processes and work independently on complex projects.

Senior Welders (5+ Years)

Senior welders often make $30–$40 per hour, especially if they hold advanced certifications like 6G pipe or TIG aerospace.

Their ability to lead projects and mentor juniors adds value beyond welding skills.

Expert and Specialized Welders

Experts in high-risk or technical fields can exceed $40–$60 per hour.

Examples include underwater welders, nuclear welders, and shutdown specialists.

Hourly Pay by Industry and Work Setting

Welders can work across many industries, and hourly pay varies depending on the sector and environment.

Some industries offer stable but lower pay, while others provide premium rates for risk and specialization.

Construction Welders

Construction welders earn around $20–$28 per hour, depending on project size and union membership.

They often work on buildings, bridges, and infrastructure where safety and speed are priorities.

Manufacturing and Fabrication Welders

Welders in manufacturing and fabrication usually earn $18–$24 per hour.

These jobs are stable but often pay less since the work is repetitive and done in controlled environments.

Oil & Gas / Pipeline Welders

Pipeline welders make $30–$45 per hour, with opportunities for overtime and travel pay.

Their high wages reflect the skill, certification, and physical demands of working in remote conditions.

Shipyard and Maritime Welders

Shipyard welders typically earn $22–$30 per hour, with union jobs paying more.

They handle hulls, decks, and underwater structures, often in challenging environments.

Aerospace and Aviation Welders

Aerospace welders earn $35–$50 per hour because they work with exotic metals and strict codes.

Every weld in this industry must meet extremely high safety standards, which drives up pay.

Freelance and Contract Welders

Freelance welders can charge $25–$60 per hour, depending on skill and project type.

Their earnings vary widely but can exceed regular jobs when demand is high.

Hourly Pay by Location (Regional Differences)

Welding pay varies widely depending on where you live and work.

Some states and regions offer much higher hourly wages to attract skilled labor.

Highest-Paying U.S. States

States like Alaska, North Dakota, and Hawaii often pay welders $30–$40 per hour due to labor shortages and high project demand.

These regions also include remote or hazardous conditions, which justify higher wages.

Southern and Midwestern States

In states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, welders average $22–$30 per hour.

Strong oil, gas, and pipeline industries create steady demand and overtime opportunities.

East and West Coast Regions

Welders on the East and West Coasts often earn $24–$32 per hour, with union jobs offering more.

High costs of living in places like California and New York influence these wage rates.

Rural vs. Urban Pay

Urban welders typically earn higher hourly pay than those in rural areas.

However, rural welders may enjoy lower living expenses, which balances out earnings.

International Welding Pay

In Canada, welders make around CAD $28–$40 per hour, especially in Alberta’s oil fields.

In Australia, experienced welders earn AUD $30–$45 per hour, while the U.K. averages £13–£18 per hour.

Overtime and Shift Differentials in Welding Pay

Hourly pay for welders doesn’t stop at the base rate, since overtime and shift differentials add significant income.

Many industries depend on long shifts, weekend work, and emergency repairs that pay extra.

Overtime Pay

Most welders earn time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

This means a welder making $25 per hour can earn $37.50 per hour on overtime.

Pipeline and refinery shutdowns often run 60–70 hours weekly, dramatically increasing paychecks.

For skilled welders, overtime can sometimes double their regular income.

Night Shift and Weekend Rates

Night shift welders are often paid 10–20% higher than day shift workers.

Weekend work can add premium pay since fewer welders are willing to take those hours.

This makes off-shift work especially attractive to welders seeking higher hourly earnings.

Hazard and Travel Differentials

Welders working in hazardous conditions or remote locations often receive bonus pay.

For example, pipeline welders may earn additional per diem pay for travel and living expenses.

Underwater welders and those in nuclear industries receive danger pay on top of high base wages.

These differentials can push hourly rates far beyond the average.

Factors That Influence Hourly Pay

Not all welders earn the same, even when working in similar industries.

Several key factors determine whether a welder makes $18 an hour or $40 an hour.

Certifications and Training

Welders with certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) or ASME typically earn more.

Advanced certifications such as 6G pipe welding or aerospace TIG can raise hourly rates by 20–30%.

Employers pay more for certified welders because their skills are proven and meet strict safety standards.

The more certifications held, the higher the hourly wage potential.

Industry Demand

Industries like oil, gas, and shipbuilding pay higher wages because demand is strong and projects are critical.

During periods of infrastructure growth, welders often see hourly wages climb.

Labor shortages in certain regions can also drive up pay quickly.

For example, pipeline welders are in constant demand, leading to premium hourly rates.

Union Membership

Union welders typically earn more than non-union welders due to collective bargaining agreements.

These contracts often secure higher base pay, overtime benefits, and safer working conditions.

For example, union shipyard welders may earn several dollars more per hour than their non-union peers.

Union membership can be a deciding factor in hourly income.

Economic Trends

Welding wages also rise and fall with the economy and energy sector.

When oil prices rise, pipeline and refinery work expands, creating higher hourly pay opportunities.

Government-funded infrastructure projects also push up demand for welders.

Economic slowdowns may reduce overtime but rarely eliminate the need for welders completely.

Highest-Paying Welding Jobs (Hourly)

Some welding jobs pay far more than average because they require rare skills, extreme conditions, or strict safety codes.

Here are the top-paying welding roles and what makes them stand out.

Underwater Welders

Underwater welders earn $40–$70 per hour, with some projects paying even more.

The combination of diving expertise and welding skill makes this one of the riskiest but most rewarding jobs.

Pipeline Welders

Pipeline welders typically make $30–$45 per hour, plus overtime and per diem pay.

Their work involves critical infrastructure under high pressure, requiring certifications in advanced positions like 6G.

Aerospace Welders

Aerospace welders earn around $35–$50 per hour, depending on certifications and experience.

They work with lightweight alloys and precision standards that leave no room for error.

Nuclear Industry Welders

Nuclear welders can make $36–$55 per hour, with hazard pay included.

Their work must meet strict government regulations and pass rigorous inspections.

Shutdown and Turnaround Welders

During refinery or plant shutdowns, welders can earn double-time rates, sometimes exceeding $60 per hour.

These short-term but intense jobs demand long hours, quick turnaround, and flawless execution.

FAQs About Welder Hourly Pay

How much do entry-level welders make per hour?
Entry-level welders usually earn $16–$20 per hour, depending on location and industry. With certifications, their pay often increases within the first year.

What type of welder makes the most money per hour?
Underwater and pipeline welders make the highest hourly pay, often $40–$70 per hour. These jobs require advanced training and carry higher risks.

Do union welders get paid more per hour?
Yes, union welders typically earn several dollars more per hour than non-union welders. Collective bargaining also provides better overtime and safety benefits.

How much do TIG welders make an hour?
TIG welders usually earn $22–$35 per hour because of the precision and skill needed. Aerospace and medical industries often pay the highest rates for TIG.

How much do MIG welders make an hour?
MIG welders earn about $18–$25 per hour, making it one of the lower but more accessible pay ranges. It’s popular for beginners and shop workers.

How much do stick welders make per hour?
Stick welders average $20–$30 per hour, especially in construction and fieldwork. Their ability to weld outdoors keeps them in steady demand.

What is the average hourly pay for welders overall?
Most welders earn around $22–$25 per hour, which is slightly above the national average for all occupations.

How much do aerospace welders make per hour?
Aerospace welders earn $35–$50 per hour, reflecting the precision required with exotic metals. Every weld must pass strict safety inspections.

Can welders earn overtime pay per hour?
Yes, welders typically earn time-and-a-half for overtime, boosting pay significantly. During shutdowns or long projects, overtime can double their income.

How much does an underwater welder make hourly?
Underwater welders are among the top earners, making $40–$70+ per hour. Pay is higher due to the dangers of diving and underwater construction.

Do certifications increase hourly welding pay?
Absolutely—welders with certifications like 6G pipe or AWS advanced tests often earn 20–30% more per hour. Certifications prove skill and raise employability.

Which state pays welders the highest hourly wage?
States like Alaska, North Dakota, and Hawaii pay welders $30–$40 per hour. These regions face labor shortages and higher living costs.

Do freelance welders earn more per hour?
Freelance welders can charge $25–$60 per hour, depending on the project. Rates vary, but freelancers often out-earn regular employees when demand is high.

Do welders get paid weekly or hourly?
Most welders are paid by the hour, with paychecks arriving weekly or biweekly. Freelancers, however, may bill clients per project or contract.

Can a welder’s hourly pay double over time?
Yes, many welders start at $16–$18 per hour but can exceed $35–$40 per hour after gaining experience and certifications. Specializations accelerate this growth.

Conclusion

Welder hourly pay ranges widely, starting at around $16 an hour for beginners and climbing to $40 or more for specialized experts.

The type of welding, industry, certifications, and location all play major roles in determining final earnings.

While MIG and shop welders earn steady but modest wages, pipe, aerospace, and underwater welders command premium hourly rates.

Union membership, overtime, and shift differentials can further boost pay, often doubling income in high-demand projects.

The key takeaway is that welding rewards skill, specialization, and persistence over time.

For those willing to invest in training and certifications, hourly pay can grow from an entry-level job into one of the most lucrative trades.