For many skilled trades, the question of pay is the first step in deciding whether a career path is worth pursuing.
When asking what is the average salary of a welder, the answer depends on multiple factors such as experience, specialization, and location.
Welding is one of the most in-demand trades in the United States. Industries from oil and gas to shipbuilding and aerospace rely on welders every day.
This demand creates opportunities, but it also produces a wide range of salaries depending on the job role and region.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in 2023 was $48,940, or about $23.53 per hour.
Meanwhile, top earners with certifications and advanced skills reported salaries above $60,000 per year.
Paychecks for welders can shift dramatically between states. For example, a welder in Texas or Alaska can earn thousands more annually than one working in the Midwest.
Specialized roles such as pipeline welding or underwater welding can push salaries even higher, sometimes reaching six figures.
Understanding these variations matters for anyone considering welding as a profession.
Average figures only tell part of the story, and the difference between a shop job and a certified field role could be the difference between modest earnings and top-tier pay.
This guide breaks down everything from hourly wages to annual salaries, explores the impact of certifications, and reveals the highest-paying industries and locations for welders in 2025.
Average Salary of a Welder (National Overview)
The average salary of a welder varies depending on the data source, but most reports place it near the national median for skilled trades. In 2025, welders continue to earn competitive wages that reflect their role in vital industries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for welders is $48,940, or about $23.53 per hour. Top earners with advanced skills and certifications can exceed $60,000 annually, while entry-level welders often begin closer to $32,000.
The salary range shows the spread across the profession. The lowest 10 percent earn below $32,000, while the top 10 percent reach nearly $65,000 or more depending on their specialization and work environment.
Comparisons with other trades highlight welding’s position. Electricians average about $60,000 annually, plumbers about $59,000, and machinists around $48,000. Welding salaries remain competitive but often trail slightly behind electricians and plumbers.
Salary trends also show steady growth. A decade ago, welders averaged about $37,000 annually, meaning wages have grown by nearly 30% over ten years, though inflation affects the real value.
What is the average hourly pay for welders?
Around $23.50 per hour nationwide.
What is the annual salary of a welder in the U.S.?
About $48,940 per year.
Is median salary higher than average salary?
Yes, the median is slightly above the average in most reports.
What is the salary range from low to top earners?
From $32,000 to $65,000 or more annually.
How does welder pay compare to other trades?
It is similar to machinists but lower than electricians and plumbers.
Do welders make more in government jobs?
Yes, federal and defense contractors often pay above average.
How do apprentice salaries compare to journeymen?
Apprentices earn $14–$16 per hour, while journeymen can make $25–$30.
Factors That Influence a Welder’s Salary
Several factors influence what is the average salary of a welder across the country. These include certifications, level of experience, industry, location, and union membership.
Certification often makes the biggest difference. A certified welder can earn several dollars more per hour than a non-certified counterpart, and pipeline or AWS-certified welders frequently reach higher income brackets.
Experience matters as well. Entry-level welders may earn $16 to $18 per hour, while experienced professionals can make $28 to $35 per hour. Senior welders in supervisory roles can surpass $70,000 annually.
Industry type also shapes income. Oil and gas, aerospace, and shipbuilding often pay more than general manufacturing or fabrication. Union welders may also see stronger pay packages with added benefits.
Shift differentials can raise pay further. Welders working night shifts may earn 10–20% more, while those in dangerous or confined environments may qualify for hazard pay.
Seasonal work is another factor. Some welders in construction or energy see fluctuating hours depending on demand cycles, which affects annual totals.
Does certification increase welder pay?
Yes, certifications can boost hourly wages by $3–$5.
How much do entry-level welders earn?
They usually start at $16–$18 per hour.
Do union welders earn more than non-union?
Yes, union roles often include higher wages and benefits.
Does overtime raise annual income significantly?
Yes, overtime can add $10,000–$20,000 per year.
Is hazard pay common in welding jobs?
Yes, jobs in oilfields, offshore, or confined spaces often include bonuses.
Do welders earn bonuses in addition to wages?
Yes, some employers offer performance or project completion bonuses.
Is overtime guaranteed in welding jobs?
Not always, but many industries rely on frequent overtime.
Salary by Role and Specialization
Not all welders earn the same income, and specialization plays a major role in determining pay. The average salary of a welder changes dramatically depending on whether the role is shop-based, field-based, or highly specialized.
Pipeline welders are among the highest paid, often earning between $55,000 and $80,000 annually. These roles require travel and involve physically demanding work in the energy sector.
Combo welders who master multiple processes can make around $55,000 per year, while shop welders average closer to $40,000. Fabrication welders also sit near this range, depending on industry demand.
Advanced roles such as underwater welders or welding inspectors can exceed $100,000 annually in some cases. Supervisors and foremen also benefit from higher pay scales due to management responsibilities.
Specialized industries offer unique opportunities. Aerospace welders often earn more than fabrication welders, sometimes $60,000 or higher. Nuclear welders may exceed $70,000 annually due to the precision required. Shipyard welders average around $50,000, but overtime and union contracts raise total compensation.
What is the salary for pipeline welders?
$55,000 to $80,000 per year on average.
How much do TIG/MIG welders earn?
TIG welders average $45,000–$55,000, while MIG welders earn $40,000–$48,000.
Do underwater welders make six figures?
Yes, offshore and underwater welders can exceed $100,000 annually.
What is the average income of welding inspectors?
Around $65,000 or more per year.
Which welding specialization pays the most?
Underwater welding and pipeline welding lead the list.
Do aerospace welders earn more than fabrication welders?
Yes, aerospace roles average $60,000 or more annually.
What is the salary for nuclear welders?
They often earn $70,000+ due to specialized skills.
Salary by Location (State and City Comparisons)
The answer to what is the average salary of a welder also depends heavily on location. Wages vary between states and even between metro and rural areas.
According to BLS, Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and Texas rank among the highest-paying states for welders. Welders in Alaska can earn over $70,000 per year, while Texas averages remain near $48,500 annually.
City-level data shows big differences. Welders in Houston, Midland, and Corpus Christi often make more than $24 per hour due to oil and gas demand. In contrast, smaller Midwest towns may offer under $20 per hour.
Cost of living also impacts wages. High-cost states like California and New York may pay more, but expenses reduce the real value of earnings. Lower-cost states may offer less money, but take-home income stretches further.
Regional demand matters as well. The South and Midwest have many jobs, but the West Coast and Alaska often post the highest wages. Border towns with limited industry may offer less.
Which states pay welders the most?
Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and Texas.
What is the average welder salary in Texas?
About $48,500 per year.
Do city welders earn more than rural welders?
Yes, metro areas often pay $3–$5 more per hour.
Which metro areas have the highest wages?
Houston, Anchorage, and Midland top the list.
How does cost of living affect welder salaries?
Higher wages in costly states may not equal more take-home pay.
Where is welding in highest demand?
Energy hubs like Texas and Alaska lead demand.
Do coastal cities pay more than inland towns?
Yes, shipyards and ports often raise wages.
Salary Trends and Future Outlook
Welding remains a steady career path, but long-term averages shift based on industry demand. Knowing what is the average salary of a welder helps reveal how the profession is evolving.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% job growth for welders through 2031, slower than the average for all occupations but steady due to constant demand in construction and manufacturing.
Automation may reduce low-skill welding tasks, but specialized roles in aerospace, shipbuilding, and energy will continue to require human expertise. Salaries in these fields are projected to grow, especially for certified and mobile welders.
Renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms also create opportunities. Welders working on large infrastructure projects may see salaries rise as energy diversification expands.
Is welder demand increasing in the U.S.?
Yes, steady demand continues in construction and energy.
Will automation replace welding jobs?
It may reduce repetitive tasks, but skilled roles remain safe.
Which industries will pay welders the most in 2025?
Aerospace, oil and gas, and shipbuilding.
Is welding a stable career long-term?
Yes, it continues to offer consistent opportunities.
What is the job outlook for welders by 2030?
Growth will be modest but steady at about 2%.
Are renewable energy projects creating welder jobs?
Yes, wind and solar require skilled welders.
Is the welder shortage real in the U.S.?
Yes, retirements and demand outpace new workers.
Benefits, Overtime, and Additional Compensation
Salary alone does not capture the full picture of what is the average salary of a welder. Overtime, per diem, and benefits can significantly boost overall income.
Overtime is common in construction and energy projects. Welders working 50–60 hours weekly can add $10,000–$20,000 to their base pay, pushing many into the $70,000+ range.
Traveling welders, especially in pipeline and offshore work, often receive per diem allowances for meals and lodging. These stipends increase effective earnings without raising taxable income.
Union welders may also receive benefits such as retirement contributions, healthcare coverage, and paid leave. Non-union jobs sometimes offer higher hourly pay but fewer benefits overall.
Government jobs also offer additional stability. Welders employed in federal or defense roles often see stronger pay, pensions, and healthcare packages.
Do welders earn overtime regularly?
Yes, especially in construction and pipeline work.
Do traveling welders get per diem pay?
Yes, many receive stipends for food and lodging.
What benefits do union welders receive?
Healthcare, retirement plans, and stronger job security.
Can overtime push welder salaries over $70,000?
Yes, extended hours often raise annual income significantly.
Do government jobs pay welders more?
Yes, federal and defense contracts usually pay above average.
Do welders receive signing bonuses?
Some employers offer bonuses to attract skilled workers.
Conclusion
When asking what is the average salary of a welder, the answer is more than a single number. The national median sits near $48,940 annually, or about $23.50 per hour, but specialization, location, and industry can shift that figure significantly.
Pipeline welders and underwater specialists often earn far above the average, while shop welders and entry-level roles start lower. Geographic differences also matter, with states like Alaska and Texas offering wages thousands above the national average.
Future trends suggest that while automation may reduce basic welding tasks, demand for skilled welders in aerospace, construction, energy, and infrastructure projects will remain strong. Certifications, union membership, and overtime opportunities continue to be the fastest ways to push income higher.
For anyone considering welding as a career, the takeaway is clear. Focus on gaining certifications, target high-demand industries, and consider relocation to states or cities where wages are strongest. With the right skills and experience, welders can not only meet but exceed the national average salary.
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
