Welders have always been in high demand, and the pay for welding jobs can be quite lucrative. If you’re thinking of becoming a MIG welder, you might wonder how much does a MIG welder make?
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Lucky for you, this blog post will discuss exactly how much income an experienced welder makes when working as a MIG welder.
By reading through this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of welding and why it pays to specialize in certain areas like MIG welding! So if money is your motivation or one of your considerations when picking up a new trade – stick around to read more!
Key Takeaways
- With the high demand for MIG welding jobs, their pay is increasing respectively.
- This is not the most difficult type of welding but, in general, not a lot of people have enough experience, which might benefit you.
- You can make a lot of money with this type of welding but salaries will vary as they depend on who is hiring you and for how much time he is hiring you.
Salary Ranges for MIG Welders
MIG welders earn anywhere from $18 to $25 per hour or an average salary of $37,440 to $52,000 annually. However, MIG welder salaries will depend on several factors, such as experience level, geographic location, and type of employer. Pay is usually higher for those specializing in TIG welding, requiring more skill and knowledge but not nearly as high as a rig welder salary not to mention riskier welding jobs such as underwater welding.
More experienced MIG welders can make even more money than those at entry-level positions, depending on their work and it can lead to an increase in MIG welder salaries. For instance, some of the highest-paying jobs for welders involve working with military contractors or aerospace technology companies. Here, expert welders often make upwards of $100 an hour and their average MIG welder salary makes up good total compensation.
How Much Do MIG Welders Make In Different Industries?
MIG welders are in high demand in many industries and can earn a comfortable living. The exact MIG welder salary does vary depending on their specific job, their experience level, and the industry MIG welders work in. It's worth mentioning that MIG, TIG, Stick of Flux Core welding specialists are paid differently based on the industry.
MIG welders can make anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour in the construction and engineering industries. They are often employed with larger companies such as manufacturing and shipyards and are typically paid hourly.
The oil and gas industry is another area where a MIG welder can make a good salary. Depending on their experience level in this industry $25 and $40 is an average MIG welder salary. They are often employed with larger companies operating in offshore locations, thus providing them higher wages than those working in inland locations.
Automotive manufacturing is yet another sector where a MIG welder can earn a good salary, especially as a certified welding inspector. Depending on the company and the experience level, MIG welders typically make between $17 and $25 an hour. Automotive manufacturing companies often require MIG welding daily thus providing welders with a steady income.
Finally, the aerospace and defense industries are major employers of a skilled MIG welder. They usually pay higher than most other industries with MIG welders earning between $22 and $45 per hour. Aerospace companies require MIG welders to work with specialized materials thus requiring them to have a higher level of expertise than in other industries.
What are the Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for MIG Welder Jobs?
The top ten higher salary paying cities for MIG Welder jobs are Frankston, TX; Sunnyvale, CA; Manhattan, NY; Vacaville, CA; Ontario, CA; El Paso, TX; Houston, TX; Sacramento, CA; Portland, OR and Austin, TX. All of these cities offer an average salary that is higher than the national average of $36,159. Frankston and Sunnyvale have the highest salary at $44,403 and $43,942, respectively have the highest paying welding jobs.
On the other hand, El Paso has the lowest salary, with an average of $38,622. Despite this difference in salary among these cities, there is only an 8% variance between Frankston and Vacaville. This suggests the potential for wage advancement by relocating as a MIG Welder may be limited. Therefore, it is important to consider other factors, such as the cost of living, when searching for a suitable city.
How much tax will you have to pay as a MIG Welder?
The amount of tax you will pay as a MIG Welder depends on your circumstances including your annual income and the taxes that apply to where you live and how much you make. As the federal tax rate of 22% applies to all incomes over $37,000 per year, you could be liable to pay tax at this rate as a MIG Welder related job titles as underwater welders. State taxes may also apply, which vary from state to state and depend on your income.
You may also have other deductions depending on your circumstances such as charitable donations, pension contributions, or any special allowances you may be entitled to. You must be aware of the tax laws that apply to your role as a MIG Welder and be up to date with any changes in regulations or taxes due.
What is Quality of Life for MIG Welder?
MIG welding offers welders a high quality of life with many advantages that the other types don't offer. These MIG welder specialists have the opportunity to work in a wide range of industries and on different types of projects from creating custom art pieces to helping build large structures. Many benefits come with being a MIG welder such as the ability to work in various settings and in different types of industries as I have mentioned.
A MIG welder can work indoors or outdoors and usually moves around easily while welding. This means that MIG welders have more options when finding jobs and can take on various projects depending on their new skills and experience.
In addition to the freedom that comes with being a MIG welder, there is also the potential for high wages. A MIG welder is well paid for their work and can make a comfortable living even with limited experience or training. While most jobs require some certification or education, many MIG welders can get started with basic welding knowledge and experience.
FAQs Related to How Much Does a MIG Welder Make
Is MIG welding a good career?
Yes, MIG welding is a great career choice for those looking to get into the skilled trades. It offers good pay and job security and can be applied in various industries, including automotive repair, aerospace manufacturing, and construction.
The demand for MIG welders has been rising steadily due to the increasing complexity of modern construction projects. Plus, becoming a certified welder can provide plenty of employment opportunities.
What is the highest-paid welding job?
The highest-paid welding job is generally offshore structural welding, which often requires specialized knowledge and experience to be successful. Offshore welders are paid a premium rate due to the hazardous environment and difficult working conditions they face.
Other highly-paid welding jobs include pipeline construction, aerospace, and underwater welding.
What are the 3 disadvantages of MIG welding?
1. MIG welding can be limited in its application as it is not suitable for working with metals of different thicknesses or hardness, requiring multiple passes and more time to complete each joint area.
2. The process requires an equipment setup that includes a power source, shielding gas, and a welding gun which can be quite costly.
3. MIG welding does generate splatter, which can require additional clean-up efforts for the welders. In addition, fumes and gases produced by the process may present health hazards if not properly managed with proper ventilation.