Welder Salary Guide: Average Pay by Industry, Location & Experience

Being able to meld seemingly indestructible materials together into brand-new things is a unique ability. If you're a welder, that's what you do every day.

Welders heat metal pieces, fusing them together to create permanent bonds that form strong objects. Welders work in a variety of industries that are vital to global economies, including:

• Aerospace
• Automobile repairs and manufacturing
• Shipbuilding
• Bridge building
• Building manufacturing

If you’ve ever considered a career in welding, or any career path for that matter, one of your first questions most likely has to do with salary. The good news is that skilled welders have earning potential when it comes to their welding salary.

What is the Average Salary of a Welder in the U.S.?

Welders work all over the world in a variety of environments, from factories to construction sites.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the United States was $48,940 in May 2023.26 This means half of welders earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

If you’re wondering how much welders earn, you’ve come to the right place! Check out this list of welder salaries in the United States so you can plan your next career move.

Top 10 Median Welding Salaries by State

Median wages reported by the BLS in May 2023. Note that these are not entry-level salaries and are dependent on factors like experience, location and employer compensation.

1. Alaska: $77,100

In Alaska, the largest economic component is the gas and oil industry. Other prominent industries in the state include fishing, timber, mining and agriculture. Welders in Alaska work on machinery and equipment supporting these industries. For the outdoors enthusiast who might want an off-grid lifestyle, Alaska could be a fitting place to live with its abundance of wildlife and breathtaking nature.

2. Hawaii: $76,540

In Hawaii, defense and exports like raw sugar, molasses and fresh and processed pineapple are dominant economic drivers. Welders here may work on military equipment including planes, tanks and vehicles. They might also work on farm equipment that supports agricultural exports.

Plus, there’s the aspect of paradise living here in this state with its year-round moderate climate and gorgeous beaches to relax or surf and explore, making it a great state to live and pursue a career.

3. District of Columbia: $65,020

According to Forbes, the cost of living in Washington, D.C. was 17% above the national average in 2019—which may be a reason why welder wages there tend to be higher than most places. That doesn’t mean there aren’t good opportunities here for skilled welders! Construction is one of the fastest-growing industries in Washington, D.C., particularly home construction. Welders here can work on buildings and parts for buildings, among other construction-related tasks.

4. Wyoming: $62,510

One of Wyoming’s main industries is mineral extraction. Welders here may be responsible for working on equipment for this industry. Tourism is the other significant industry in Wyoming, so welders might work on vehicles for state parks and other tourism-related needs.

Wyoming is the place for outdoor thrills, from the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone to the rugged beauty of the Grand Tetons. Welders will find Wyoming bursting with opportunities, thanks to its thriving industries and a love for all things outdoors. It’s a great state for pursuing a career while enjoying the unspoiled natural beauty and wide-open spaces.

5. Washington: $60,350

Washington’s economy is driven by a variety of industries where welders can work. These include forestry, defense, maritime, aerospace, agriculture and food manufacturing. Washington is also a leader in clean technology developments, giving welders unique opportunities if they're interested in working with green technology.

6. Connecticut: $59,580

This state has named advanced manufacturing, bioscience and green technology among its top industries. As a result, welding is an important aspect of top industries, which could be why Connecticut is a top 10 paying state for welders.

Connecticut can be a great place to live for those who want a blend of city life and small-town charm. From the historic seaport of Mystic to the vibrant nightlife of New Haven, there's always something to see and do. 

7. Massachusetts: $59,330

Some of the state’s main industries are medical and life sciences, manufacturing and fishing. Welders fuse materials together to create parts and products that support these industries.

From the historic streets of Boston to the scenic shores of Cape Cod, there are a lot of different things to do. Whether working on shipbuilding in the bustling harbors, contributing to high-tech manufacturing or supporting the state's dynamic construction projects, welders can contribute to many different industries here.

8. Rhode Island: $58,980

With its stunning coastlines and economy built around water, welders are needed in the shipbuilding, pipelines, manufacturing and industrial maintenance industries of Rhode Island (WeldingWatch.com). Beyond that, with miles of beaches and a variety of urban and small and rural towns, Rhode Island could be a great place to live.

9. North Dakota: $58,900

North Dakota is one of the better states for welders, thanks to several large industries that drive its economy. These include the energy industry, which benefits from the state’s oil and coal reserves. Other fields North Dakota welders can work in include agriculture and transportation. For those looking for a quieter pace and open spaces, North Dakota can be a great place to live.

10. New Jersey: $57,300

Famous for its beautiful beaches and great food, the Garden State can be a great place to live and work with its above-average median salary for welders. Beyond that, New Jersey runs off manufacturing and transportation—both industries that will have equipment in need of welders. Based off these leading industries, welders here might be busy with infrastructure projects, maintaining transportation systems, or contributing to high-tech manufacturing.

From the lively vibes of Newark and Jersey City to the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore, there's always something exciting to explore.

Welding Salary FAQs

What's the highest-paid welding job?

The highest-paid welding jobs typically involve specialized skills or working in high-risk environments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest-paying industries are Scheduled Air Transportation, Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Natural Gas Distribution, Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing and Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas in 2023. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

How much do entry-level welders make per hour?

According to the BLS, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the United States was $23.53 in May 2023. This means half of welders earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Is welding a high-paying trade compared to others?

Welding can be a well-paying trade, particularly for those with in-demand skills or specialized training. Compared to many other hands-on or manual labor jobs, welders often have the opportunity to earn competitive wages. Factors like overtime, project-based work and job location may also impact overall earnings. While income varies, gaining experience, earning certifications, and developing specialized skills may help increase your earning potential over time.

How do you earn more money as a welder?

To earn more as a welder, consider gaining additional certifications, specializing in high-demand techniques or taking on more complex projects. Working in industries like oil, gas or aerospace can also lead to higher pay. Additionally, welders who are willing to work in remote areas, on offshore rigs or in hazardous environments often earn premium wages. Continuing education and gaining experience with advanced equipment can open doors to higher-paying roles.

Train to Become a Welder at UTI

If working on welding jobs and in environments like these sounds appealing to you, studying welding at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) can help you jump-start your career.1^,77 To learn more, visit our Welding Technology training program page and request information to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives today.