How Much Do Welders Make in America?
Complete 2025 Welder Salary Guide with state-by-state data, experience levels, and specialties
The national average welder salary is $45,260, but top welders earn over $60,000 with the right skills and experience.
Salary Highlights
Average Salary
$45,260
Top Earners
$60,000+
Highest Paying State
Alaska:$69,530
Welder Salary Data Analysis
Based on the latest industry data across the United States
Highest Paying Regions in America
Top Paying States:
1
Alaska
$69,530
2
Wyoming
$64,610
3
Hawaii
$63,930
Alaska's average salary is 54% higher than the national average.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 years)
$32,150
Mid Level (3-9 years)
$45,260
Senior Level (10+ years)
$65,480
Key Insights:
• Senior welders earn approximately 104% more than entry-level positions
• The biggest salary jump typically occurs when moving from entry-level to mid-level positions
• Specialized certifications can increase salary at any experience level by 15-25%
Income Improvement Strategies
Learn how to increase your welding income through smart choices and career development
Strategic Location Choice
Working in high-demand states like Alaska, Wyoming, or North Dakota can boost your salary by up to 50% above the national average.
Top 3 Paying Regions:
- Alaska: $69,530
- Wyoming: $64,610
- Hawaii: $63,930
Certification & Specialization
Specialized certifications like AWS, pressure vessel, or underwater welding can increase your earning potential by 15-40%.
Top Paying Specializations:
- Underwater Welding: $80,000 - $100,000+
- Military Support: $70,000 - $90,000
- Nuclear Welding: $70,000 - $85,000
Industry Selection
Choose high-paying industries like oil & gas, aerospace, or nuclear to maximize your welding income potential.
Top Paying Industries:
- Oil & Gas: $62,000 - $96,000
- Aerospace: $60,000 - $85,000
- Nuclear: $65,000 - $90,000
Welder Salary FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about welder income
What is the average salary for welders?
According to the latest data, the national average salary for welders in the United States is $45,260, with a median salary of $44,190. Entry-level welders typically start around$31,350, while experienced welders can earn$60,000 or more.
What factors affect welder salaries?
The main factors that influence welder salaries include geographic location, work experience, specialized skills, certifications, and industry type.
Specialized skills such as underwater welding, high-pressure pipe welding, or aerospace welding typically command higher salaries. Similarly, welders working in the oil and gas, shipbuilding, or defense industries tend to earn more than their counterparts in general manufacturing.
Which U.S. states pay welders the most?
Alaska leads the nation with an average welder salary of $69,530, about 54% above the national average. Other high-paying states include Wyoming, Hawaii.
These states have strong oil, gas, and industrial sectors that create high demand for skilled welders. Additionally, many regions offer higher wages to compensate for remote locations or challenging work conditions. Urban areas in high cost-of-living states like California and New York also tend to offer higher wages than rural areas.
Welding Industry Demand
Explore the growing demand for skilled welders across different industries
Job Growth Forecast
The welding industry is projected to add over 49,200 new jobs by 2026, with a growth rate that exceeds many other trade professions.
Fastest Growing Sectors:
+7.6%
Infrastructure
+5.8%
Manufacturing
+8.2%
Energy Sector
+6.9%
Transportation
Skills in Highest Demand
Employers are increasingly seeking welders with specialized skills and certifications to meet the demands of evolving industries.
- TIG Welding (93% of employers reporting difficulty hiring)
Essential for aerospace, automotive, and high-precision industries
- Pipe Welding (89% of employers reporting skill shortages)
Critical for oil, gas, and nuclear industries
- Robotic Welding Programming (76% increasing demand)
Growing rapidly in manufacturing automation
- Aluminum Welding (68% reporting need for specialists)
In-demand for transportation and aerospace sectors
Education & Career Paths
Find the right training path to launch or advance your welding career
1
Technical School
6-18 month programs
Gain foundational welding skills through structured curriculums with hands-on training.
Average Cost: $5,000 - $15,000
2
Apprenticeships
3-4 year programs
Earn while you learn through union or company-sponsored apprenticeship programs.
Wage: 40-80% of journeyman rate
3
Community College
1-2 year programs
Earn an associate's degree with both welding skills and academic education.
Average Cost: $8,000 - $20,000
4
Specialized Training
2-12 week programs
Add advanced certifications and specialized techniques to your skillset.
Average Cost: $2,000 - $10,000
Success Stories & Reviews
Read success stories and reviews from welders across the country
Welding Career Success Stories
Mike H.
Pipe Welder | Oil & Gas Industry
"I started as an entry-level MIG welder earning $32,000. After getting my pipe welding certification and moving to North Dakota, I now earn over $98,000 annually with great benefits."
Career Path:
Technical School → Manufacturing → Pipe Certification → Oil & Gas Industry
Sarah M.
TIG Welder | Aerospace Industry
"After completing community college, I focused on precision TIG welding. Now I work for an aerospace contractor, manufacturing specialized components. My salary doubled in just 5 years, to $76,000."
Career Path:
Community College → TIG Certification → Manufacturing → Aerospace Specialization
Online Reviews
"This website helped me find the best welding training program in my area. Their salary data was incredibly accurate and gave me confidence to negotiate my starting pay. Jumped from a $36,000 offer to $52,000!"
Jason D.
Structural Welder, Texas"I was worried about switching careers to welding, but the resources and guidance on this platform made my transition seamless. The regional salary comparisons convinced me to relocate to a higher-paying area. My income is now 40% higher than before!"
Karen W.
Pipe Welder, North Dakota"As a welding apprentice, the salary data on this site was invaluable. I could understand the value of different certifications and skills, and plan my career path accordingly. Highly recommend to anyone entering the welding field!"
Tyler Y.
Apprentice Welder, California"The salary comparison tool on this website helped me realize I was being underpaid. Using the resources and data provided, I successfully negotiated a 20% raise! Thanks for providing such professional information."
Michael L.
Senior Welder, Florida"Thank you so much for the detailed certification guides! I followed the guide to get my AWS D1.1 certification, and now I work for a major construction company with a salary 30% higher than before. The data and guidance here are truly practical!"
Chris B.
Structural Welder, Nevada"The content is helpful, but I wish there was more salary data for smaller cities and rural areas. That said, their skill advancement guides are excellent and clearly show which skills are most worth investing in. It's been valuable for my career planning."
Amanda M.
TIG Welder, WisconsinWelder Career Resources
Access tools and guides to advance your welding career
Career Advancement
Strategies for moving into management, inspection, or specialized roles
Explore Paths