One thing is for sure, welders are in high demand. But just how much do welders make? And what are the factors that influence wages for this profession?
In this short guide, we’ll take a look at the salaries welders can expect depending on their experience level and place of residence.
So, whether you’re thinking about becoming a welder or simply curious about the profession, read on for some interesting facts!
How Much Do Welders Make in the US?
As one of the most in-demand professions, welders can make a pretty penny depending on their skill level and experience. In fact, according to 2021 salary statistics, welders make an average annual salary of $41,710.
While making 40k a year is not bad, this number can vary greatly depending on the type of welding job you have.
For example, rig welders have the highest salaries. In this position, welders can make from $52,000 to $207,000 per year. However, if you’re just starting out as a welder, don’t expect to make that much right off the bat.
In fact, entry-level welders typically make between $20,000 and $36,500 a year.
5 Facts About the Welding Industry
How much do welders make an hour? Which state offers the highest paying jobs for welders?
1. Welders make an average of $18.75 per hour.
(Water Welders)
Nowadays, it is not uncommon for people who work in different fields to have very diverse salaries. For example, some welders can make over $85 per hour, while others may only earn around $25–$26.
As you might expect, there’s a lot that goes into determining how much someone will receive, including location, experience, qualifications, or certifications acquired through educational courses and training programs and any licensing requirements.
2. Alaska offers the highest average salary for welders — $66,740 per year.
(Rock The Trades)
The best place in America to be a welder is Alaska. Do welders make good money there?
They can make a whopping $66,740 per year. And if you can manage rappers’ earnings — which some people do — then expect even higher paychecks; upwards of 94 grand per year, no less.
Conversely, Idaho and Georgia are the states that offer the lowest welding salaries of $38,910 and $38,780, respectively.
3. Rig welders are the highest-paid welders. They can make up to $207,000 per year.
(Water Welders)
To become a rig welder, you need to have an advanced degree and be willing to work for 12 hours a day. The second most paid and most demanding job is underwater welding. How much do underwater welders make? Anywhere between $38,000 and $147,000 a year.
4. Women welders make more money than men.
(Zippia)
While men dominate the welding industry (89.9% of it, to be precise), women choose to become welders because there’s no usual gender-based pay gap. In fact, women welders make more money than men (88 cents more for every $1 earned by men).
5. Texas is a state known as the welding capital.
(Water Welders)
Welding is an integral part of Texas’ history, and it continues to be so today. The state has more than 50,000 welders employed across the workforce, a higher number than any other in America!
How much do welders make in Texas? Between $46,940 and $69,770 per year. Moreover, the Lone Star State has the biggest demand for qualified welders. Based on the Texas Workforce Commission predictions, by 2026, the need for welders will grow by a staggering 21.4%.
Conclusion
The average annual salary for a welder is $41,710. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the type of welding job you have and where you work.
For example, welders in Alaska make an average annual income of $66,740, whereas those in Idaho and Georgia only make about half that amount at around $38,000 per year.
With such a wide range of salaries, it’s important to know what your worth is before accepting any offer from a potential employer.
FAQs
What is the highest-paid welding job?
One of the highest paying welding jobs is:
- Rig welding (annual salary between $52,000 and $207,000)
- Underwater welding ($38,000–$147,000)
- Military support welding ($37,000–$160,000)
- Nuclear welding ($22,000–$143,500)
- Industrial pipeline welding ($23,500–$133,500)
How much do welders make in California?
If you live in LA, you’ll make an average of $17.31 per hour as a welder, which equals $33,760 a year. Now, this is not a bad bargain compared to the average welder’s salary, which is $18.75 per hour.
Nevertheless, knowing how welders make an average of $66,740 per year ($32 per hour) in Alaska, California is not the best state to start a career in welding.
How much do pipe welders make?
Pipe welders can make between $35,000 and $100,000 a year. However, their average salary amounts to $50,000 per year or $24.42 per hour.
Unlike rig welders, pipe welders can work across many industries, from automotive manufacturing to construction or shipbuilding.
Again, the overall salary will depend on different factors, such as the industry, location, and experience. How much do welders make approximately? $41,710 is the average income.
