Ever wondered what a day in the life of a welder looks like?
Welding is the process used to fuse two or more parts together by means of heat, pressure or both. It is most commonly used on metals and thermoplastics but can also be used on wood. This process is used across a variety of industries, from manufacturing and aerospace to shipbuilding and construction.
If you’re wondering exactly what a career as a welder entails, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn what welders do, how much welders make, how to become one and more.
How Much Do Welders Make a Year?
According to the BLS, the nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders to help rebuild bridges, highways and buildings. Additionally, the construction of new power-generation facilities and pipelines transporting natural gas and oil may result in new jobs.
Basic welding skills are shared across industries, so different types of welders can easily transfer from one industry to another, depending on where they are most needed. For example, welders with experience in the construction industry may also be able to find work in an auto repair shop or vice versa.
Overall, job prospects are expected to be good for welders trained in the latest technologies. However, welders without up-to-date training may have strong competition for jobs — which means having the proper training is essential.
When it comes to salary, the BLS reports that the median annual wage 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.
Whether you’re looking for jobs in your local area or are open to traveling for work, consider taking advantage of a career service that may be available to help you find a position. For example, UTI offers Career Services for students and graduates to help them find available jobs across the country.1
At the end of the day, welding is a great industry for those who are detail-oriented and looking for variety in their day-to-day work. With the right training and a good work ethic, welders can go far in their careers!
What Affects a Welder’s Salary?
Experience and skill level
Welders with more hands-on experience and refined skills often earn higher wages. Entry-level positions may offer lower starting pay, but as your abilities grow, so does your earning potential. If you're asking, how much does welding pay, the answer often depends on how long you've been in the field and the complexity of your work.
Certifications and education
Holding certifications from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. Education from a trade school like UTI helps you build the skills and credentials employers look for. These factors can affect salary and help increase your value in the job market.
Geographic location
Where you live and work can greatly influence a welder's salary. Welders in states or cities with higher demand or higher costs of living may earn more than those in rural areas. For example, Alaska and Hawaii often offer higher-than-average pay for specialized welding jobs.
Industry demand and job type
What do welders make? That depends heavily on the industry and the specific type of welding job. Specialized fields like underwater or pipeline welding typically pay more due to the risk and skill involved. How much can a welder make rises in industries where demand is high and skilled labor is limited.
Top Industries for High-Paying Welding Jobs
Aerospace
Welders in aerospace work on aircraft and spacecraft components, often requiring high precision and specialized certifications. This field is known for offering some of the highest welders salary rates due to its technical demands.
Pipeline transportation
Working in pipeline welding, especially in oil and gas, can lead to lucrative pay. These types of welding jobs often involve travel and working in remote areas, but the compensation can be well above average.
Natural gas distribution
Welders in natural gas distribution focus on maintaining and installing critical infrastructure. Because of the high safety standards, this field can offer higher wages for those who qualify.
Manufacturing
From automotive to heavy machinery, manufacturing remains a steady source of welding jobs. Pay can vary, but specialized or high-volume production roles often come with competitive salaries.
Construction
Construction welders work on buildings, bridges and infrastructure. How much welding pays can be influenced by location and the type of construction projects, but certified and experienced welders often find strong earning potential in this field.
Top 10 Median Annual Salaries for Welders by Area
If you’re wondering where the highest-paying welding careers are, you’ve come to the right place! Check out this list of annual median salaries* for welders in the United States (reported by the BLS in May 2023) so you can plan your next career move.
*Not entry-level and is dependent on factors like experience, demand, location and employer compensation.
Rank | Area | Annual Median Wage |
1 | Alaska | $77,100 |
2 | Hawaii | $76,540 |
3 | District of Columbia | $65,020 |
4 | Wyoming | $62,510 |
5 | Washington | $60,350 |
6 | Connecticut | $59,580 |
7 | Massachusetts | $59,330 |
8 | Rhode Island | $58,980 |
9 | North Dakota | $58,900 |
10 | New Jersey | $57,300 |
For a list ranking median annual salaries for welders for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, read our blog post here.
How To Increase Your Welding Earning Potential
Gaining certifications
Earning industry-recognized certifications can help boost your credibility and open doors to better-paying opportunities. Many employers offer higher wages to certified professionals who meet specific quality and safety standards. If you're wondering “How much do welders make?” those with certifications often fall on the higher end of the pay scale.
Specializing in high-paying welding types
Specializing in areas like underwater welding, pipe welding or aerospace can lead to some of the highest wages in the industry. These specialized roles often require advanced skills but offer significantly higher pay. When it comes to what welders make, specialty welders typically out-earn their generalist peers.
Pursuing advanced training or supervisory roles
Continuing your education or moving into roles like welding inspector, trainer or supervisor can help increase your income.77 With experience and leadership skills, you may qualify for positions with higher responsibility and pay. While welders’ salary varies by experience and location, these roles can positively impact what welders make and influence how much welding pays overall.
Start Your Welding Training at UTI
We hope this answered every question you had surrounding “How much do welders make?” Ready to get started?
Classes in UTI’s Welding Technology program begin frequently and are offered at campuses in Avondale, Arizona; Sacramento, Long Beach and Rancho Cucamonga, California; Miramar, Florida; Lisle, Illinois; Canton, Michigan; Bloomfield, New Jersey; Mooresville, North Carolina; Exton, Pennsylvania; and Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, Texas.
To learn more, visit our program page and request information to speak with one of our Admissions Representatives today. In the meantime, feel free to check out these additional resources:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Welding Courses
- Understanding the Different Types of Welding
- Traits of a Successful Welder
- Welding Careers
Ready to start? Click the button, and in 60 seconds you could be on your way to training for an exciting new career.
Welding Salary FAQs
Some of the highest-paying welding jobs include underwater welding, pipeline welding and aerospace welding. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications and working in challenging environments. When asking “How much can a welder make?” it’s not uncommon for specialized welders to earn six figures with experience.6
Yes, certifications can boost your welders salary by making you more competitive in the job market. Certified welders often qualify for specialized or supervisory roles, which can lead to higher pay. If you're wondering “How much do welders make?” certifications can significantly raise that number.
While starting salaries vary, many entry-level welding jobs still offer solid pay, especially in high-demand industries or regions. How much welding pays at the entry level depends on factors like location, industry
,and training but entry-level jobs can offer a strong foundation for future growth.
Absolutely. The type of welding job you pursue can greatly affect your income. TIG, MIG, stick and flux-cored arc welding each serve different industries, and some industries pay more based on skill level and demand. Specialized roles often lead to higher-earning welding careers.
Yes, most welding jobs are full-time positions. Many welders also work overtime, especially in industries like construction or oil and gas, which can increase earnings. Full-time roles often come with benefits, making careers in welding both stable and financially rewarding.