Welders have seen a steady increase in their pay over the past few years. Learn about the 2024 salary data for welders, along with some top-paying states and industries.
Pay for Welders Increased According to 2024 BLS Data
In April of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that pay for welders increased nationwide. According to this release, welders in 2023 earned an average pay of $52,640, with the top 10 percent making $72,970 a year. These upward salary trends indicate great news for anyone looking to pursue the trade.
Let’s take a closer look at the top-paying states and industries for welders.
Top-Paying States for Welders
- Alaska – $79,210
- Hawaii – $75,590
- Wyoming – $65,730
- Rhode Island – $63,110
These states tend to have high demand for skilled welders, especially when it comes to the oil and gas industries in Alaska, which are in need of specialized infrastructure and maintenance.
States with the Most Welders
- Texas – 52,820 Welders
- California – 28,300 Welders
- Ohio – 19,750 Welders
- Wisconsin – 17,440 Welders
- Illinois – 17,280 Welders
The larger population of California and Texas, along with the many manufacturing facilities located in the above states, account for the higher employment of welders.
Top-Paying Industries for Welders
- Scheduled Air Transportation – $102,900
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution – $101,220
- Natural Gas Distribution – $98,890
- Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing – $88,440
- Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas – $87,180
Essential to many others, welders in the above industries were compensated at the highest rate, likely due to the specialized skills and experience needed.
Metropolitan Areas with the Highest Employment Levels for Welders
- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX – 16,660 Welders
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX – 11,390 Welders
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI – 9,490 Welders
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA – 8,370 Welders
- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA – 6,060 Welders
These areas see a higher employment of welders due to having a higher magnitude of manufacturing hubs, along with construction-related projects.
Are Welders in Demand?
While the job outlook over the next decade is not expected to show any significant increase or decrease in demand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that welders can still expect stability in their careers. The BLS predicts that by 2032, we can expect to see about 42,600 job openings for welders each year nationwide.
Specializing in a certain discipline like pipe-fitting may also give you an edge over the competition in the job market.
Need training first? We’re partnered with some great welding schools across the country. Connect with a welding trade school near you and explore your many options today!
