Welders earn a median annual salary of approximately $47,540, or about $22.86 per hour, according to 2024 BLS data for SOC 51-4121 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers).
This median reflects a broad occupation that includes welders working in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, pipeline work, and aerospace — each sector with different pay dynamics.
The occupation is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the national average, with the BLS estimating approximately 47,600 job openings per year on average.
Pay is significantly affected by welding process certification, industry sector, geographic location, and whether work is performed in a union or non-union environment.
Certified welders in high-demand specialties — such as underwater welding, structural welding, or pipe welding — may earn well above the median, while entry-level MIG welders in light manufacturing may earn closer to the lower percentiles.
For skilled-trades salary comparison, the plumber salary, the electrician salary, and the HVAC technician salary reflect adjacent trades with similar apprenticeship-based entry paths.
Welder Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers (SOC 51-4121) earned a median annual wage of approximately $47,540 as of 2024 BLS data. The median hourly rate was approximately $22.86.
The median represents the midpoint of all reported welder wages — half earn more, half earn less.
The mean may be pulled higher by experienced pipe welders and structural welders in high-wage markets.
For comparison across skilled trades, the carpenter salary and mechanic salary reflect similar wage distributions in manual-skill occupations.
The table below shows the estimated wage distribution for welders based on 2024 BLS data:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | ~$33,000 | ~$15.87 |
| 25th | ~$39,000 | ~$18.75 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$47,540 | ~$22.86 |
| 75th | ~$61,000 | ~$29.33 |
| 90th | ~$76,000 | ~$36.54 |
To see exactly how wages like $22 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $22 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Welder Pay by Experience Level
Welder compensation is closely tied to experience, certification level, and process proficiency.
Beginning welders — often performing basic MIG (GMAW) welds on lighter materials — typically start at the lower end of the pay scale.
As welders master additional processes (TIG, stick, flux-core, plasma), earn certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS), and demonstrate proficiency on structural or pipe work, their earnings tend to increase significantly.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $33,000 – $42,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 years, multi-process) | $44,000 – $62,000 |
| Senior/Specialty (8+ years, certified) | $62,000 – $90,000+ |
These ranges are estimates based on 2024 BLS data. Specialty welding — particularly pipeline and underwater welding — can push earnings above these ranges.
Certification and Specialty Differences
AWS Certified Welder (CW) status and coded welder qualifications (such as those required by ASME for pressure vessel work or API for pipeline work) are associated with higher pay.
Welders pursuing advanced credentials often compare compensation benchmarks to the electrician salary and plumber salary to assess relative skilled-trade earnings.
TIG welders — particularly those working on stainless steel, aluminum, or exotic alloys for aerospace or pharmaceutical applications — are among the highest-paid in the field.
Underwater (commercial diving) welders are a specialized category not directly captured in BLS welder data, and their compensation is typically much higher, often $75,000–$180,000 or more, depending on depth, project type, and experience.
Welder Salary by State and Region
Geographic location meaningfully affects welder pay.
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, states with high concentrations of industrial, energy, or shipbuilding activity — such as Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, and states along the Gulf Coast — tend to report higher median wages for welders.
Oil and gas sector welders in Texas, North Dakota, and Louisiana may also earn above the national median, reflecting the hazard and skill premium of energy infrastructure work.
States with lower concentrations of heavy industry or where welding work is primarily in light manufacturing may report median wages closer to the national median or below.
Union density in a given region — particularly for structural iron and steel workers and boilermakers, who often perform welding — also affects the wage level.
Metropolitan areas with active shipbuilding, aerospace manufacturing, or heavy construction typically offer higher wages than rural manufacturing regions.
The cost of living in Texas, the cost of living in Washington State, and the cost of living in Alaska provide useful context for welders evaluating energy-sector opportunities in Texas or aerospace work in the Seattle-area market.
Factors That Affect Welder Pay
Welder compensation is shaped by a variety of factors, including the industry sector, welding process, certification, and working conditions.
Industry Sector
Welders in oil and gas extraction, aerospace product manufacturing, ship and boat building, and power generation typically earn more than those in light manufacturing or fabrication shops.
The complexity of the work, hazard level, and code requirements in these sectors support higher wages.
The HVAC technician salary offers a useful comparison for workers evaluating field-service trades versus heavy-fabrication welding.
Structural welding on construction projects also tends to pay more than production welding on assembly lines.
Welding Process
The welding process (MIG/GMAW, TIG/GTAW, Stick/SMAW, Flux-Core/FCAW) affects pay.
TIG welding — which requires more skill and produces cleaner welds used in precision applications — is generally paid at a higher rate than basic MIG welding on production lines.
Multi-process welders who are proficient in three or more processes are more valuable to employers and typically command higher wages.
Certification
AWS Certified Welder status, ASME coded qualification, and API pipeline welding qualification are credentials that may support higher pay.
Many industrial and infrastructure employers require specific certifications, and certified welders have demonstrated proficiency that reduces employer risk on high-stakes projects.
Working Conditions and Environment
Welders who work in physically demanding or hazardous environments — outdoors in extreme weather, at heights, in confined spaces, or underwater — typically receive premium pay to compensate for the additional risk.
Travel welders and pipeline workers who follow project work across regions may also earn travel and per diem allowances that supplement base wages.
Welder Career Outlook
The employment outlook for welders is modestly positive.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all occupations.
The BLS estimates approximately 47,600 job openings per year on average over the decade, with most openings arising from retirements and workforce attrition rather than net new position creation.
Demand for welders is supported by infrastructure investment — including bridges, pipelines, and manufacturing plants — as well as growth in renewable energy installation and defense manufacturing.
While automation has reduced the need for some routine welding tasks in high-volume manufacturing, skilled welders capable of complex, code-compliant, and specialty work remain in demand and are not easily replaced by robotic systems.
Industry groups have noted a shortage of qualified, certified welders in several markets as of 2026, which may support wage growth for those entering the trade.
Welders should understand salary negotiation strategies when moving from light manufacturing to industrial or pipeline sectors, build a high-yield savings account to smooth income during between-project periods, set retirement savings targets early given the physical demands of the trade, and contribute consistently to a Roth IRA or 401(k) to build long-term financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a welder?
According to 2024 BLS data, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers (SOC 51-4121) earned a median annual wage of approximately $47,540, or about $22.86 per hour.
Earnings vary significantly by process, certification, industry sector, and location.
For comparison, the plumber salary median of $61,550 and the electrician salary reflect how adjacent trades pay relative to welding.
Welders tracking their financial progress should review average net worth by age benchmarks and maintain an appropriate emergency fund to handle gaps between welding contracts or project cycles.
Do certified welders earn more than non-certified welders?
Yes, typically.
AWS Certified Welders, ASME coded welders, and API-qualified pipeline welders typically earn more than non-certified welders.
Certification demonstrates verified proficiency and is required for many industrial and infrastructure projects, making certified welders more competitive in the job market.
What industries pay welders the most?
Welders in oil and gas extraction, aerospace manufacturing, shipbuilding, and power generation typically earn above the national median, according to BLS industry wage data.
These sectors require higher-skill welding, involve greater hazard exposure, and often require coded certifications, all of which support higher wages.
How much do underwater welders make?
Underwater (commercial diving) welders are a specialized category not directly tracked by BLS welder data.
Industry sources suggest median annual earnings in the range of $75,000–$180,000 or more, depending on experience, depth of dive, project type, and geographic market.
This work involves significant physical risk and requires specialized certification.
What is the job growth outlook for welders?
The BLS projects 3% employment growth for welders from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 47,600 openings per year.
While automation has reduced demand for routine production welding, skilled welders for infrastructure, energy, and specialty fabrication work remain in demand.
Industry groups have noted qualified welder shortages in some markets as of 2026.
For comparison across trades, the carpenter salary reflects how construction-sector skilled trades have responded to similar demand trends.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (SOC 51-4121). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes514121.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters (51-4121.06). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-4121.06
Last updated: April 27, 2026