How Much Does a Welder Make a Month? 2025 Salary Guide

Average Monthly Salary of a Welder (National Overview)

The national average is the starting point for understanding how much does a welder make a month. Welders earn differently depending on experience and job type, but nationwide figures provide a clear baseline.

The BLS reports the median hourly wage for welders at $23.53. Multiplying by a standard 40-hour week translates to about $940 weekly or roughly $4,080 per month.

At the low end, the 10th percentile of welders earns closer to $2,500 monthly. At the high end, the 90th percentile reaches $6,500 or more per month, depending on specialization and industry.

Monthly wages also depend on hours worked. Overtime and seasonal demand can increase paychecks well beyond the averages, especially in industries like oil, gas, construction, and shipbuilding.

Compared to similar trades, welders sit near the middle of the pack. For instance, electricians often average $4,500 monthly, while plumbers average around $4,400. Welding offers a competitive salary while requiring less formal schooling than some skilled trades.

How much does a welder make per month on average?
Around $4,000.

What is the monthly salary of entry-level welders?
About $2,500 to $2,800.

Do top welders earn over $5,000 a month?
Yes, specialists and experienced welders often do.

What is the difference between median and average monthly pay?
Median is about $4,080; average may shift slightly depending on hours.

How many hours a month do welders typically work?
Usually 160 hours, but overtime increases totals significantly.

Do welders earn more monthly than plumbers or electricians?
On average, slightly less, but top welders can match or exceed them.

Is monthly pay steady across all welding jobs?
No, it varies by industry, location, and specialization.

Factors That Influence Monthly Welder Pay

Several factors determine how much does a welder make a month. Certifications, experience, industry, and job location all play critical roles.

Certified welders consistently earn more. An AWS-certified welder may earn $500–$700 more monthly than a non-certified counterpart. Pipeline certification can raise monthly pay even higher, often above $6,000.

Experience is another factor. Entry-level welders may take home $2,800 monthly, while those with 10+ years of experience can average $5,500 per month. Supervisory roles push earnings beyond this.

Industry type matters. Welders in oil and gas fields usually earn more than those in manufacturing or general fabrication. Union welders also tend to receive better base pay plus benefits that add long-term value.

Overtime and hazard pay increase monthly income. Welders in demanding or dangerous roles can easily add $500–$1,500 extra per month.

Employer size also makes a difference. Large corporations often pay higher monthly wages and provide stronger benefits compared to small, family-owned shops.

Does certification raise monthly income?
Yes, often by $500 or more.

How much do entry-level welders make per month?
Between $2,500 and $2,800.

Do union welders take home more each month?
Yes, thanks to stronger pay scales and benefits.

Can overtime boost monthly pay significantly?
Yes, sometimes by $1,000 or more.

Do welders get bonuses on top of monthly pay?
Yes, some jobs include bonuses, hazard pay, or travel stipends.

Do large companies pay welders more monthly?
Yes, large corporations usually pay higher wages.

Does job stability affect monthly income?
Yes, steady industries like manufacturing may pay slightly less but offer consistent hours.

Monthly Pay by Role and Specialization

Different welding roles create very different monthly paychecks. How much does a welder make a month depends heavily on job specialization.

Pipeline welders are among the top earners. They often make $5,000–$6,500 monthly, with top performers exceeding $7,000 thanks to per diem and travel pay.

Combo welders average $4,500–$5,000 per month because of their ability to handle multiple techniques, making them valuable across industries.

Shop and fabrication welders tend to earn closer to $3,500–$4,000 monthly, aligning with the national average. These jobs are steady but not the highest paying.

TIG and MIG welders often fall in the $3,800–$4,800 per month range, depending on industry. Aerospace TIG welders may see higher monthly earnings, especially in precision roles.

Underwater welders can exceed $8,000 monthly, especially for offshore projects in the Gulf of Mexico. Their specialized skills and high risk justify premium pay.

Welding inspectors and supervisors frequently earn $5,500–$6,500 monthly, reflecting leadership and safety responsibilities.

Foremen and project managers in welding-intensive industries can make over $7,000 monthly.

How much do pipeline welders make monthly?
$5,000–$6,500 on average.

What is the monthly salary for TIG and MIG welders?
$3,800–$4,800.

Do underwater welders make over $8,000 a month?
Yes, especially for offshore projects.

How much do welding inspectors earn per month?
$5,500–$6,500.

Which welding jobs pay the most each month?
Pipeline and underwater welding lead the pack.

Do foremen earn more than inspectors?
Yes, foremen often exceed $7,000 monthly.

Which welding roles have the lowest monthly income?
Shop and fabrication welders, averaging $3,500–$4,000.

Monthly Salary by Location (State and City Comparisons)

Location matters when asking how much does a welder make a month. Wages vary significantly across states and cities.

ZipRecruiter shows Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and Texas ranking among the highest-paying states. Welders there often exceed $5,500 monthly.

In Texas, average monthly pay is around $4,200, but Midland welders can top $6,000 per month due to oilfield demand. Houston averages $4,500 monthly, while Dallas lags closer to $3,800.

California and New York also offer higher-than-average monthly wages, though higher living costs offset some of the benefit. Welders in Los Angeles or New York City may earn $5,000 monthly, but expenses reduce take-home value.

Rural areas typically pay less, but lower costs of living balance the difference. City welders generally earn more due to industrial demand and union presence.

Which states pay welders the most per month?
Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, and North Dakota.

How much do welders make monthly in Texas?
About $4,200, with Midland topping $6,000.

Do welders in cities earn more each month than rural welders?
Yes, industrial demand drives higher pay in metro areas.

What is the monthly salary for welders in California?
Around $4,800, depending on city.

How does cost of living impact monthly income?
High-cost cities may pay more, but expenses reduce take-home value.

Which metro areas pay the most per month?
Houston, Los Angeles, Anchorage, and Midland.

Are rural welders always paid less?
Yes, but living costs often balance the difference.

Monthly Trends and Future Outlook

Trends show steady growth in welding salaries. Monthly pay has gradually risen alongside demand for skilled trades.

The BLS projects 2% growth in welding jobs nationwide through 2031, ensuring consistent demand. More infrastructure and renewable energy projects are expected to sustain high-paying opportunities.

Automation is affecting some repetitive welding tasks. However, skilled and precision welders remain secure in aerospace, energy, and construction. These sectors push monthly wages higher.

Travel welding jobs are also growing, with mobile welders commanding monthly incomes above the national median. Overtime, per diem, and hazard pay often increase their take-home totals.

Global supply chain issues also play a role. When imported steel or manufactured parts slow down, demand for local welders rises, temporarily boosting wages.

Are welder monthly salaries rising in 2025?
Yes, steady increases continue across industries.

Will demand for welders increase monthly pay in the future?
Yes, infrastructure and energy growth drive demand.

Does automation lower monthly income potential?
Not for skilled welders—demand remains high.

Which industries will pay welders more each month?
Oil, gas, aerospace, and renewable energy.

Is welding still a stable monthly income career?
Yes, long-term demand supports job stability.

Will the welder shortage increase monthly wages?
Yes, retirements are creating new opportunities.

Are renewable energy projects raising welder pay?
Yes, wind and solar construction requires skilled welders.

Benefits, Overtime, and Additional Compensation

How much does a welder make a month is not limited to base salary. Benefits, overtime, and extras often add hundreds or even thousands each month.

Overtime is common in construction and energy sectors. Welders working 50–60 hours weekly may earn $1,000–$2,000 extra monthly.

Pipeline and traveling welders frequently receive per diem pay, covering meals and lodging. This boosts effective income even further.

Union welders enjoy stronger retirement plans, healthcare, and consistent overtime rules. These benefits improve long-term financial security and monthly take-home value.

Bonuses and hazard pay also matter. Welders in dangerous environments often receive extra monthly compensation, particularly in confined spaces, underwater jobs, or high-heat conditions.

Government contractors and military welders may also receive higher monthly pay due to strict safety standards and funding.

Can overtime raise welder income by $1,000+ monthly?
Yes, especially in construction and oilfield jobs.

Do traveling welders earn higher monthly pay?
Yes, per diem and travel stipends add income.

Do union welders get better benefits each month?
Yes, including retirement and healthcare.

What extra pay do pipeline welders receive monthly?
Travel allowances and hazard bonuses.

Do government contracts pay welders more monthly?
Yes, often above average with benefits included.

Do bonuses add much to monthly pay?
Yes, seasonal bonuses can add hundreds.

Are hazard pay jobs worth the risk?
Yes, they often raise monthly income significantly.

Conclusion

The answer to how much does a welder make a month depends on skill, role, and location. On average, welders earn about $4,000 per month, but the range stretches from $2,500 for beginners to over $8,000 for specialized roles like underwater welding.

Pipeline welders and traveling specialists earn some of the highest monthly wages, while shop welders stay closer to the median. Cities such as Midland, Houston, Anchorage, and Los Angeles offer some of the best opportunities.

Monthly pay is also boosted by overtime, certifications, and union membership. Welders willing to take challenging jobs or relocate to high-demand regions can significantly increase their earnings.

For those entering the field or looking to maximize income, the formula is clear: pursue certifications, target high-paying industries, and consider travel roles. Welding remains a stable and rewarding career with strong monthly income potential in 2025 and beyond.