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July 16

HOW MUCH DO WELDERS MAKE: SALARY, TYPES & DUTIES

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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 

Alaska 

$77,100 

Hawaii 

$76,540 

District of Columbia 

$65,020 

Wyoming 

$62,510 

Washington 

$60,350 

Connecticut 

$59,580 

Massachusetts 

$59,330 

Rhode Island 

$58,980 

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: 

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

1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.26) UTI’s Welding Technology Training Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as welders. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a welding technician, such as inspector and quality control. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $40,060 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2022 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=514121&Dopt=TEXT). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled welders in North Carolina is $23.38 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $20.82 and $18.17, respectively.77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.

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