Welding remains a high-demand job in 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 430,000 welding jobs in the United States. That number is expected to grow steadily over the next ten years. This growth will come from higher demand in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
Whether you are new to welding or have years of experience, knowing what others earn (and why) can help you plan your next steps. Staying informed about pay trends is a good way to get ahead. This includes pay raises, promotions, and learning new techniques.
This article will break down:
- Average welder salaries in 2025 (hourly and annual)
- How experience level affects income
- Which states offer the highest (and lowest) pay
- Top-paying welding specialisations
- The impact of welding techniques on wages
- Industry comparisons (union vs. non-union)
- Additional factors that affect income
What Is Welding?
Let’s begin with the basics. Welding is the process of joining two or more pieces of metal together by using heat, pressure, or both. It’s a core skill in industries like construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and energy.
Depending on the technique and materials involved, welders may use tools ranging from handheld torches to complex robotic systems.
The most common types of welding include MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), stick welding, and flux core welding. Each method has its own application, skill level, and pay rate, which we’ll explore later in this guide.
Average Welder Salary in 2025
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and salary data from major job platforms:
- Median Annual Salary: $51,000
- Average Annual Salary: $43,714
- Hourly Wage Range: $17.71 to $20.56
These figures represent a national overview and are influenced by multiple variables. Factors include region, level of experience, type of welding, and certification level. It’s worth noting that these averages include both full-time and part-time roles. Additionally, salaries may vary depending on overtime, union membership, and job-specific hazard bonuses.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Hourly Wage | Estimated Annual Salary |
| Entry-Level | $22.26 | ~$38,000 – $45,000 |
| Mid-Level | $26.44 – $36.06 | ~$55,000 – $75,000 |
| Experienced | $38.00+ | ~$75,000 – $100,000+ |
Sources: ZipRecruiter, Nations Forge
Entry-level welders typically start out in roles such as MIG welding or basic fabrication jobs. These positions may offer lower wages initially but provide valuable hands-on experience.
Mid-level welders often have 3–5 years of experience and may hold one or more AWS certifications. They can often command higher pay through skill refinement and reliability.
At the top of the ladder are experienced welders. These welders often work independently, take on supervisory roles, or enter specialised fields. For example, areas like pipeline or underwater welding that significantly boost earning potential.
Salary by Location
Welders’ salaries are strongly influenced by regional demand, cost of living, and state-level infrastructure investment. States with growing construction, energy, or shipping industries usually pay more. This is because there are labor shortages and high demand for skilled workers.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| California | $60,634 |
| New York | $52,483 |
| Florida | $47,000 |
| Texas | $50,000 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
Key Takeaways:
- California has some of the highest average salaries. This is because of its high cost of living and large construction and industrial sectors.
- New York offers solid compensation, particularly in NYC and surrounding areas where union presence is strong.
- Texas and Florida remain hotspots for welding work, driven by consistent activity in infrastructure, oil, and manufacturing.
Salary by Specialization
Advanced specialisations in welding offer some of the highest salaries in the industry. These roles often require extensive training, industry-specific certifications, and a willingness to work in challenging environments.
- Underwater Welder: $66,380/year — Performs welding operations underwater, usually on pipelines, ships, and offshore rigs. Requires commercial diving certification and AWS D3.6M qualification.
- Pipeline Welder: $79,000/year — Works on oil, gas, and water pipelines, often in remote or high-demand areas. Typically requires extensive travel and experience with shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).
- Nuclear Welder: $93,079/year — Highly specialised work requiring security clearance and precise skills due to safety regulations. Jobs may be found in power plants, research facilities, or military contracts.
- Welding Engineer: $106,642/year — Combines technical welding knowledge with engineering principles. Often responsible for process development, quality control, and project oversight.
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS): $85,015/year — Manages teams of welders and ensures productivity and quality benchmarks are met.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): $86,015/year — Oversees and approves welding work on job sites. They ensure it meets regulatory and safety standards.
Sources: Jobted, VelvetJobs, Glassdoor, PayScale
These roles offer not only higher salaries but also more stable career paths and leadership opportunities.
Salary by Welding Type
The type of welding process used in your daily work can also affect your earning potential. Some methods are more specialised or hazardous and therefore command a higher wage.
| Welding Type | Average Salary |
| MIG (Metal Inert Gas) | $60,971 |
| TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) | $60,291 |
| Stick Welding | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Flux Core | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Gas Metal Arc | ~$50,000 |
| Gas Tungsten Arc | ~$60,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, WeldingCareerNow
MIG and TIG welding are the most commonly used processes in metal fabrication and repair. TIG welders, often working with thinner materials like aluminium or stainless steel, must maintain a high level of precision. Stick and flux core welders are more common in construction and outdoor environments, where conditions are less controlled.
Salary by Industry
Different industries pay welders differently based on job complexity, work environment, and union involvement.
- Manufacturing Industry: $39,520/year — Often includes automotive, appliance, and electronics sectors. Offers consistent hours but lower wages.
- Union Welder: $74,896/year — Typically found in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and infrastructure. Union benefits often include healthcare, pension, and guaranteed wage increases.
Sources: Talent.com, Comparably
Union membership plays a significant role in wage protection and access to long-term employment benefits. On the other hand, non-union jobs can offer more flexibility. They also allow contractors to negotiate higher rates on their own.
Other Factors That Influence Pay
1. Cost of Living
Salaries often correlate with living expenses. For example, welders in cities like Los Angeles or New York City may earn more. This extra pay helps cover housing and transport costs.
2. Certifications
Having certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS), like CWI or CWS, shows your skills. These certifications can help you get supervisory or inspection jobs.
3. Work Environment and Risk
Welders who work in tough conditions, like high altitudes, tight spaces, underwater, or nuclear sites, often earn more. They receive higher base pay and hazard bonuses.
4. Industry Demand
Industries like renewable energy, shipbuilding, and pipeline development are growing fast. This growth is increasing the need for skilled welders.
5. Technology and Equipment
Welders who can operate robotic arms, electric arc machines, or CNC-controlled welding equipment have a competitive edge. Familiarity with digital welding tools and automation boosts both value and income.
Where Do You Fit in the Welding Pay Scale?
By now, it’s clear that a welding career doesn’t look the same for everyone. Your pay can look very different depending on your line of work. Whether you’re MIG welding on a factory floor, travelling across state lines for pipeline work, or deep-sea diving with a torch in hand.
In addition to skill, salary is influenced by where you are, what you know, and the path you choose to take.
Think about getting certified, choosing a specialization, or watching job trends in high-demand states to boost your income. Welding pays off for those who invest in their tools, their training, and themselves.
How Invoice Fly Can Help Welders
Freelance welders and independent contractors often juggle multiple projects, clients, and deadlines. Managing quotes, sending invoices, and following up on late payments can quickly eat into your time on the job. That’s where Invoice Fly steps in.
With the Invoice Maker from Invoice Fly, you can:
- Create and send professional invoices in minutes
- Track payments and due dates
- Organize jobs by client or project
- Set reminders for follow-ups
- Access everything from your phone or desktop
FAQs about Welder's Salaries
Welders in the U.S. make an average of $43,714 per year. More experienced or specialised professionals can earn up to $100,000 or more annually.
The average hourly wage for welders ranges from $17.71 to $20.56. However, entry-level positions may start lower, and experienced welders can earn significantly more.
Location, experience, specialisation, industry, certifications, and work environment all play a role in determining a welder’s salary.
Yes, union welders often earn more due to collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, they typically receive additional benefits like health insurance and pension plans.
Welding engineers and nuclear welders top the pay scale, often earning over $90,000 annually. Underwater and pipeline welders also command high wages.
According to the BLS, welding jobs are expected to grow steadily. Factors influencing this demand include expansion of infrastructure, renewable energy, and construction projects nationwide.
Absolutely. Many skilled welders work on a freelance basis or run their own small businesses, setting their own rates and taking on custom projects.
