This article contains information about welding salaries. We include average salary information, industries with top salaries, and different types of welding jobs along with their pay in various locations across the U.S.
Welders' Salaries on Average
The average annual pay for welders was $48,290 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As you gain experience in the field, your pay is likely to grow even higher. In 2021, the top 10% of welders earned $63,660 or more (bls.gov).
Industries with Top Welding Salaries
The top industries for welders, plus the average pay in that industry, are as follows:
- Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution - $92,130
- Natural gas distribution - $88,940*
- Pipeline transportation of crude oil - $87,900*
- Pipeline transportation of natural gas - $80,560*
*industries and average pay, bls.gov
Pay for welders often varies with a worker’s experience and skill level. It may also vary by the industry chosen or the location and the size of the company.
Different Welding Jobs with Their Pay
We researched some of the top job posting boards and found some examples of real welding job listings with their general location and pay information.
Welding jobs in New York can pay about $28.82 / hour
Welding jobs in California can pay approximately $29.48 / hour
Welding jobs in Arizona can pay about $23.41 / hour
Welding jobs in Wisconsin can pay about $22.86 / hour
Welding jobs in Texas can pay approximately $23.49 / hour
Welding jobs in Georgia can around $19.15 / hour
Welding jobs in Illinois can pay about $21.06 / hour
Welding jobs in Pennsylvania can pay around $28.82 / hour
Reference:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, online here.