In this post, we will explore the average welder salary in all 50 states. In addition, we will also cover the salaries for various welding job types.
Table of Contents
You probably heard that the demand for welders has increased in the USA over the years. This makes welding a rewarding career choice for those of you who enjoy working with your hands and have a passion as well as talent for metal fabrication. But you may have wondered how much does a welder make in a year?
At present, welders can expect the average base salary in the United States of $44,462 in January 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's the national average. Here is a more detailed breakdown!
Key Takeaways
- The average base salary in the United States is $44,462 ( in January 2023)
- How much welders make depends on the US state they live and work
- Types of welding processes also influence the annual salary
- Some specialized welding jobs bring much higher average salary for a welder
- Experience, skills and a welder certification also play a huge role in a welder's salary
However, the average welder salary varies depending on factors such as experience, location, welding techniques you need to know and the overall type of welder jobs starting from entry level positions. In some states, the average welder salary can be as high as $50,000 per year. Good news, isn’t it?
How Much Does a Welder Make in Different States?
Let's start by looking at the states with the highest average annual salaries for a welder’s position. Here’s the list of the top five states with the highest average annual salaries for welders:
Alaska - $58,230
New York - $54,420
Hawaii - $53,420
Wyoming - $52,960
North Dakota - $52,360
It's certainly worth noting that the high average annual salaries in Alaska, New York, and Hawaii can be caused by the higher cost of living in these states. This is why people working welder jobs in these states are compensated for their high level of skill and experience related to the cost of living in these states even in entry level positions.
On the other end of the spectrum, here are the states with the lowest average salaries per year for welding professionals:
Arkansas - $35,190
Mississippi - $35,560
West Virginia - $36,360
Kentucky - $36,900
Alabama - $37,450
Despite the lower average annual welder salaries, the lower cost of living in these states means that you can still be able to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
Highest Paying Cities for Welders
(Highest paying cities/areas for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers source)
Average Welder’s Salary Based On the Type of Welding
As for the various welding job types, here are the average salaries for some of the most common types of welding processes not including specific projects:
MIG Welder Salary - $42,490
TIG Welder Salary - $44,490
Stick Welder Salary - $41,440
Flux Core Welder Salary - $41,440
Again, the welder salaries for these welding job types also vary depending on the state. For example, a MIG welder in Alaska will earn an average welder salary of $62,000 annually, while a MIG welder in Arkansas may earn an annual average salary of only $38,000. The same goes for TIG, Stick, and Flux Core welding specialists. A considerable difference, I’d say, but again life in Arkansas is a lot cheaper compared to Alaska, for example.
Specialized Welding Jobs That Pay the Most
Oil Rig Welder
Oil rig welders play a critical role in maintaining the structures on oil rigs. Yes, you’ve probably seen a movie or two about these modern working heroes who have higher salaries.
How much do rig welders make? On a rig, the national average base salary is $50,000 to $100,000 yearly for these jobs in high demand among huge companies.
Underwater Welder
Underwater welding does require specialized training and certifications but they are rewarded with a high underwater welder salary of $70,000 to $150,000 per year.
Obviously, this is due to the challenging nature and long hours of underwater welders' jobs which is in very high demand. You should take note that wet welding is quite dangerous, so you need to be highly skilled.
Industrial Pipeline Welder
For welding pipelines and fittings in industrial pipeline systems, pipe welders earn an average salary of $60,000 to $80,000 yearly for this welder job, with the potential overtime pay and other benefits.
Rope Access Welder
They weld in order to build or various structures at a height so they need to use a harness and are hanging on ropes as that's the only way they can get access to their tasks at hand.
How much do rope access welders make? The average salary in USA in 2023 is $50,000 to $60,000 based on the experience, certification and the type of employment.
Military Support Welder
They weld and repair military vehicles, equipment, and various army structures. The average salary of $50,000 to $70,000 sounds pretty good along with the usual through military service employees benefits for structural welders.
Aerospace Welder
Aerospace welders jobs involve dry welding components for the aerospace industry, including aircrafts and spacecrafts. Ladies will certainly be impressed and then there’s also the annual welder salary of $70,000 to $100,000 as a reward for this demanding job.
Certified Welding Inspector
Here the responsibilities lie in inspecting and certifying welding projects that need to be compliant with all industry standards and codes. CWT welders earn an average salary of $70,000 to $90,000 yearly.
Nuclear Industry Welders
In the nuclear industry, this job involves welding and repairing various components in nuclear power plants. You can earn an average welder salary of $70,000 to $100,000 yearly, with the potential for growth and advancement up the industry ladder.
Certified Welding Supervisor
Certified welding supervisors are responsible for overseeing welding projects and supervising welders as they work and also their work quality. In their jobs, supervisors usually earn a salary of $80,000 to $120,000. What’s more, they also have the prospects of future growth and advancement in management and company supervision positions, which can boost earnings significantly. These are labeled as the highest salaries because of the six figures pay.
FAQs
What is the highest paying welder job?
The highest paying welder job is a rig welder, averaging about $77,000 per year, but they often work long hours under challenging conditions. Since mistakes in these types of welding jobs could spell disaster, only the very best welders are considered for these sought after positions.
Is welding a good career?
Yes, welding is a very good career , as it is among the highest paying skilled trades in the country with a median entry-level wage of over $40,000 per year or about $20 per hour. It's also an accessible career since the requirement to begin learning the trade is usually a high school diploma (or GED).
Why is welding a high paying job?
Welding is a high paying job because it requires very specific skills. Because of the training required and high demand for talented professionals, welders can often earn high salaries. Those who work in certain regions or specialize in a particular type of welding are in even higher demand.
Final Thoughts
As for the factors that come into play when we researched welders’ salaries, there are experience in the job, location, and many different types of welding. Again much does a welder earn on average? The annual salary of a welder in the United States is $42,490. It can get as high as $58,230 in states such as Alaska and as low as $35,190 if you get hired in states such as Arkansas.
Welding is in demand and if you want a rewarding job, welding looks really promising for those who are interested in a solid career path where hard work pays off, especially in specialized welding jobs in profitable companies. Is welding difficult to master? Depends solely on your motivation and perseverance!
So, after we have covered potential income, if you find a welding career interesting, I’d say go for it! The question remains, how to get welding jobs?