Welder Careers & Salary Information
Welders join metal parts using heat and pressure in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Specialized certifications like TIG and pipe welding can push hourly rates well above average.
National Salary Overview
Welder Specialties
Welders can specialize in different areas, each with its own pay scale and career path.
MIG Welder
Performs Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) in manufacturing and fabrication shops. The most common welding process and a good entry point into the trade.
TIG Welder
Performs Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) for precision work on stainless steel, aluminum, and exotic metals. Higher skill requirement means higher pay.
Pipe Welder
Welds pipe joints for oil, gas, chemical, and power plants. Passing a 6G pipe test opens the door to some of the best-paying welding jobs.
Underwater Welder
Performs welding and cutting tasks below the water surface on pipelines, oil rigs, and marine structures. One of the highest-paid and most hazardous welding specialties.
Structural Welder
Welds structural steel members for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. Requires AWS structural welding certification.
Robotic Welding Technician
Programs and maintains robotic welding systems in manufacturing plants. Combines welding knowledge with automation skills for above-average pay.
Aerospace Welder
Welds high-spec components for aircraft, rockets, and defense applications using TIG and electron beam processes. Requires extreme precision and security clearance.
Explore Welder Topics
Welder Salary by State
Click any state to see detailed salary data, top-paying cities, and union vs. non-union breakdowns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Welder salaries in the United States vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level welders typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level welders in the United States typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union welders earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified welder depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Welder work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The national job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified welders have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a welder's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.