Welding Industry Survey Data
Welder salary and employment surveys conducted by industry associations and professional organizations, providing welding professionals with more detailed industry insights and data.
The Value of Industry Surveys
Industry surveys are an important complement to official government data, providing more targeted and specialized information. These surveys, conducted by industry associations and professional organizations, often capture more nuanced industry trends and professional field characteristics, offering welders a more comprehensive industry perspective.
Compared to government data, industry surveys often collect more detailed information, such as the value of specific certifications, market demand for specialized skills, and salary differences across various work environments. This information provides valuable reference points for career planning and salary negotiations.
Major Industry Survey Sources
Manufacturing Talent Demand Report
Manufacturing Association Coalition
Covers talent gaps and demand forecasts across the manufacturing sector, with special focus on welding and other technical occupations
Key Findings:
- Statistics on welder shortages in industrial manufacturing
- Recruitment challenges faced by employers
- Most in-demand welding skills
- Impact of emerging technologies on welding positions
Survey Information
Update Frequency:
Annual
Last Update:
2023
Sample Size:
3,200+
Reliability:
Medium-High
Construction Industry Wage Survey
American Construction Association
Focuses on salary and employment conditions for welders in construction and infrastructure projects
Key Findings:
- Average wages for welders across different types of construction projects
- Comparison between union and non-union welder salaries
- Regional salary variations
- Relationship between project size and compensation
Survey Information
Update Frequency:
Annual
Last Update:
2023
Sample Size:
6,800+
Reliability:
Medium-High
Salary Comparison Across Data Sources
Salary statistics from different data sources may vary due to differences in survey methodology, sample selection, geographic coverage, and industry sector focus. The table below shows a comparison of national median welder salaries reported by major data sources.
| Data Source | Median Salary (USD) | Survey Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Labor Statistics Data | $48,420 | 2023 |
| American Welding Society Survey | $52,500 | 2023 |
| Manufacturing Association Report | $51,200 | 2023 |
| American Construction Association Survey | $55,600 | 2023 |
| Union Survey Data | $62,300 | 2023 |
* Salary data reflects national levels; actual salaries vary by region, experience, and specialty.
How to Properly Interpret Industry Survey Data
When interpreting industry survey data, please consider the following factors:
- Sample Representativeness: Smaller surveys may not fully represent the entire industry
- Geographic Coverage: Confirm whether the data includes information for your region
- Industry Segmentation: Salaries in specific industry sectors may be significantly higher or lower than average
- Data Timeliness: Check when the survey was conducted to ensure you're using the most current data
- Comprehensive Reference: Best practice is to reference multiple data sources for a more complete industry perspective