Welding is a versatile trade with enormous earnings variation based on specialization. A shop welder and a pipeline welder can have radically different incomes — here is the complete picture for 2026.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage estimates for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, across all industries:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $39,240 | $18.87 |
| 25th | $46,790 | $22.50 |
| 50th (median) | $53,750 | $25.84 |
| 75th | $63,010 | $30.29 |
| 90th | $77,530 | $37.27 |
| Average (mean) | $56,760 | $27.29 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
Welder Salary Overview
By Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level / Helper | $15–$20 | $31,000–$42,000 |
| Welder-in-Training (1–3 yrs) | $18–$26 | $37,000–$54,000 |
| Certified Welder | $24–$36 | $50,000–$75,000 |
| Senior / Specialty Welder | $32–$50 | $67,000–$104,000 |
| Welding Inspector (CWI) | $40–$65 | $83,000–$135,000 |
| Welding Engineer | $50–$80 | $104,000–$166,000 |
Median Annual Salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Welders, cutters, solderers overall: $53,750
- Top 10%: $77,530+
- Bottom 10%: $39,240
Welder Salary by State
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $80,100 | $49,660 | $80,840 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $77,430 | $50,000 | $79,000 |
| 3 | Wyoming | $67,990 | $47,220 | $63,820 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $66,800 | $43,590 | $64,880 |
| 5 | Washington | $66,340 | $47,980 | $63,020 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $65,050 | $47,720 | $62,570 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $64,880 | $46,660 | $62,000 |
| 8 | Nevada | $64,590 | $44,530 | $61,520 |
| 9 | Maryland | $64,410 | $40,590 | $60,310 |
| 10 | Louisiana | $63,750 | $42,810 | $62,250 |
| 11 | New Mexico | $63,720 | $36,860 | $59,840 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | $62,900 | $47,540 | $62,360 |
| 13 | New York | $62,810 | $43,840 | $59,140 |
| 14 | New Jersey | $62,500 | $43,290 | $59,440 |
| 15 | Maine | $61,930 | $47,230 | $62,220 |
| 16 | District of Columbia | $61,620 | $48,400 | $60,180 |
| 17 | California | $61,120 | $44,520 | $58,060 |
| 18 | Colorado | $60,410 | $44,100 | $58,590 |
| 19 | Virginia | $60,410 | $42,520 | $59,180 |
| 20 | Oregon | $60,390 | $46,070 | $59,450 |
| 21 | Minnesota | $60,360 | $45,690 | $60,280 |
| 22 | Vermont | $60,210 | $45,650 | $60,890 |
| 23 | Utah | $59,640 | $43,850 | $58,380 |
| 24 | Arizona | $59,040 | $39,970 | $55,600 |
| 25 | Montana | $58,680 | $43,720 | $55,610 |
| 26 | Delaware | $58,470 | $45,550 | $57,270 |
| 27 | Rhode Island | $58,180 | $35,560 | $50,580 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $57,920 | $47,060 | $58,410 |
| 29 | Texas | $56,940 | $38,380 | $53,340 |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $56,300 | $40,510 | $52,900 |
| 31 | Illinois | $55,930 | $38,890 | $51,320 |
| 32 | Iowa | $55,580 | $45,590 | $55,090 |
| 33 | Missouri | $55,470 | $38,200 | $51,950 |
| 34 | Nebraska | $55,290 | $43,850 | $52,220 |
| 35 | Idaho | $54,290 | $40,370 | $50,530 |
| 36 | Indiana | $54,220 | $38,410 | $49,730 |
| 37 | Florida | $54,030 | $39,200 | $50,640 |
| 38 | Michigan | $53,820 | $39,090 | $49,990 |
| 39 | North Carolina | $53,720 | $38,540 | $50,590 |
| 40 | Kentucky | $53,710 | $39,300 | $51,470 |
| 41 | Ohio | $53,370 | $38,990 | $50,340 |
| 42 | West Virginia | $53,350 | $36,700 | $48,810 |
| 43 | Mississippi | $52,930 | $36,800 | $51,100 |
| 44 | Oklahoma | $52,860 | $37,860 | $49,720 |
| 45 | Kansas | $52,780 | $37,790 | $49,410 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $52,120 | $38,720 | $49,980 |
| 47 | South Dakota | $51,980 | $38,100 | $49,440 |
| 48 | Georgia | $51,520 | $38,030 | $48,430 |
| 49 | Alabama | $51,120 | $36,710 | $48,490 |
| 50 | Tennessee | $50,450 | $37,840 | $48,040 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $50,020 | $37,380 | $47,970 |
| — | National | $56,760 | $39,240 | $53,750 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate. Energy-producing states (AK, ND, WY) pay the most due to pipeline and oil field welding. Manufacturing hubs and shipbuilding states also pay well.
Welder Salary by Specialty and Process
| Specialty | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| MIG Welder (general shop) | $38,000–$58,000 |
| TIG Welder (precision work) | $50,000–$80,000 |
| Stick / SMAW Welder | $44,000–$68,000 |
| Flux Core Welder | $45,000–$70,000 |
| Structural Steel Welder | $55,000–$90,000 |
| Pipeline Welder | $70,000–$130,000 |
| Aerospace / Defense Welder | $65,000–$100,000 |
| Nuclear Welder | $70,000–$110,000 |
| Underwater Welder | $80,000–$300,000 |
| Welding Inspector (CWI) | $80,000–$135,000 |
Pipeline welding and underwater welding are the highest-paid niches. Welding inspectors (CWI credential) also earn substantially more than production welders.
Key Welding Certifications and Their Pay Impact
| Certification | Awarding Body | Pay Impact |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Welder (CW) | American Welding Society | +$3,000–$10,000/yr |
| Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) | American Welding Society | +$20,000–$40,000/yr |
| API 1104 (Pipeline) | American Petroleum Institute | +$15,000–$40,000/yr |
| D1.1 Structural Welding | AWS | +$8,000–$20,000/yr |
| Nuclear Welding Quals | ASME | +$15,000–$30,000/yr |
| ATSSA Commercial Diver Cert | (for underwater welding) | +$50,000–$200,000/yr |
Getting certified is the single biggest lever for welder earnings. AWS certifications are widely recognized and directly increase hiring rates and pay scales.
Welder Career Path
Entry-Level / Shops / Fabrication
↓
Certified Production Welder (AWS CW)
↓
Specialty Welder (pipeline, structural, TIG)
↓
Welding Foreman / Lead
↓
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) OR Welding Engineer
Trade schools and community colleges offer welding programs from 6 months to 2 years, costing $5,000–$20,000. Many employers will also hire entry-level and train on the job.
How to Increase Your Earnings as a Welder
| Strategy | Estimated Income Boost |
|---|---|
| Get AWS Certified Welder credential | +$3,000–$10,000/yr |
| Move to TIG from MIG | +$8,000–$18,000/yr |
| Move to pipeline welding | +$20,000–$50,000/yr |
| Get CWI (inspector) certification | +$20,000–$40,000/yr |
| Work in energy sector (oil/gas) | +$15,000–$35,000/yr |
| Move to a high-paying state | +$5,000–$30,000/yr |
| Add commercial diving (underwater) | +$50,000–$150,000/yr |
Job Outlook for Welders
The BLS projects 2% job growth for welders through 2035. Despite slower headline growth, specialized welders face strong demand:
- Pipeline and energy: Oil, gas, and interstate pipeline maintenance
- Aerospace and defense: Ongoing government and commercial contracts
- Shipbuilding: Naval and commercial shipyard work
- Automotive manufacturing: Robotics complement rather than replace skilled welders
- Infrastructure: Bridge and structural steel repair programs
The welding workforce is aging — many experienced welders are retiring, creating opportunity for younger workers willing to certify and specialize.
Welder Income: Sample Monthly Budgets
Entry-Level Welder — $42,000/yr (Ohio, single)
| Category | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Take-home pay (est.) | $2,900 |
| Housing (rent) | $900 |
| Transportation | $500 |
| Food & groceries | $400 |
| Utilities | $150 |
| Tools / PPE | $100 |
| 401(k) contribution | $150 |
| Remaining | $700 |
Pipeline Welder — $110,000/yr (Texas, single)
| Category | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Take-home pay (est.) | $6,500 |
| Housing (apartment / per diem) | $1,200 |
| Transportation (truck) | $800 |
| Food | $600 |
| 401(k) max contribution | $1,950 |
| Other expenses | $500 |
| Remaining | $1,450 |
Note: Pipeline welders often work rotating schedules — extended time on a job site followed by time off. Per diem pay is common and tax-advantaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does welding school take? Certificate programs run 6–12 months. Associate degrees in welding technology take 2 years. Some employers hire entry-level with no formal training and provide on-the-job instruction.
Is welding hard on the body? Welding involves sustained awkward positioning, heat, fumes, and UV light exposure. Protective gear (respirators, welding helmets with auto-darkening lenses) mitigates hazards. Welders typically have physically demanding but not joint-destroying work compared to trades like roofing.
Can a welder make $100,000? Yes — pipeline, structural, aerospace, and nuclear welders reach six figures. CWI inspectors also commonly earn $80,000–$130,000. Underwater welders have extremely high potential but involve significant offshore risk.
What is a CWI and how do I get it? A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) tests and certifies welds rather than performing them. Requires the AWS CWI exam, 5+ years of experience (or education substitute), and passing vision/knowledge tests. CWIs earn $80,000–$135,000 and work in quality control for manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors.
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