Welder Salary in USA 2025

How Much Do Welders Earn in 2025?

Welders are skilled tradespeople who join metal parts using heat and specialized equipment. They work across diverse industries—construction, manufacturing, energy, aerospace, shipbuilding, and infrastructure—wherever metal needs to be fused together permanently.

Data for 2024–2025 shows varied national averages, with most sources citing overall welder pay around $43,000–$51,000 per year, or roughly $18–$24 per hour. However, that average masks enormous variation. General production welders may earn below these figures, while specialized welders—TIG, pipe, underwater, aerospace—can earn $60,000–$100,000+ annually.

Welding offers one of the clearer paths from entry-level trade work to six-figure income for those willing to specialize and travel. It's a prominent example of high-paying jobs without a degree—accessible through trade school or apprenticeship rather than college.

National Average Welder Salary: Annual and Hourly

Multiple data sources provide a picture of welder compensation in 2025:

For context, the average salary in the US is approximately $60,000–$65,000. General welders earn somewhat below this average, but specialized welders can significantly exceed it.

Welder Salary by Experience Level

Experience drives meaningful pay increases in welding, particularly when combined with skill advancement and certifications.

Entry-Level (0–2 Years)

Beginning welders typically earn $36,000–$42,000 per year (approximately $17–$20/hour). Many start in production welding or helper roles, learning on the job while building speed and consistency. Entry-level pay varies significantly by region and employer.

Mid-Career (3–7 Years)

With several years of experience and developing expertise, welders commonly earn $45,000–$55,000 (approximately $21–$26/hour). At this stage, many welders begin specializing in particular processes (TIG, pipe) or industries, which opens higher-paying opportunities.

Experienced/Journeyman (8+ Years)

Experienced journeyman welders with certifications and specializations commonly earn $55,000–$70,000+. Those in high-demand niches—pipe welding, aerospace, nuclear—or willing to travel for projects can exceed $70,000–$80,000. Top performers with premium certifications and travel flexibility regularly break into six figures.

Welder Salary by Specialization

Specialization is the single biggest pay differentiator in welding. The gap between general production welding and specialized work can exceed $40,000–$50,000 annually.

Why Specialized Welding Pays More

Skill requirements: TIG welding requires precision and clean technique. Pipe welding demands mastery of out-of-position welds. Underwater welding combines diving certifications with welding skills.

Risk and conditions: Pipeline work involves remote locations and harsh conditions. Underwater welding carries significant physical risk. Nuclear welding requires security clearances and strict quality standards.

Supply and demand: Fewer welders have the certifications, experience, and willingness to do specialized work, driving up compensation.

Welder Salary by State and Region

Geographic location significantly impacts welder pay, driven by local industry presence, cost of living, and union density.

Highest-Paying States

Alaska: $65,000–$76,000+ average—remote location premiums and oil/gas industry drive high wages.

Hawaii: $60,000–$70,000+ average—high cost of living reflected in wages, though net purchasing power may be lower.

Wyoming, North Dakota: $55,000–$65,000+ average—energy sector (oil, gas, wind) creates demand.

Washington, Massachusetts: $55,000–$65,000+ average—strong manufacturing, shipbuilding, and construction sectors.

Lower-Paying States

Southern and rural states (Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, West Virginia) show average welder pay in the $35,000–$45,000 range. However, lower cost of living partially offsets lower wages.

High-Activity Metropolitan Areas

Cities with strong construction, energy, or manufacturing activity offer above-average pay: Houston (energy sector), Baton Rouge (petrochemical), Seattle (aerospace, shipbuilding), and Anchorage (oil/gas, infrastructure). Travel welders often target these markets for premium assignments.

What Welders Do: Role, Settings, and Processes

Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career considerations.

Core Responsibilities

Welders: read and interpret blueprints and specifications, set up and operate welding equipment, select appropriate welding processes and materials, join metal components according to specifications, inspect completed welds for quality and structural integrity, and maintain equipment and work areas.

Common Welding Processes

SMAW (Stick): Versatile, commonly used in construction and repair.

GMAW (MIG): Fast, efficient—common in manufacturing and production.

GTAW (TIG): Precision process for thin materials and critical applications.

FCAW (Flux-Core): High deposition rate, good for outdoor/windy conditions.

Emerging techniques include laser welding, friction stir welding, and robotic welding programming—areas where technically inclined welders can differentiate themselves.

Work Environments

Welders work in manufacturing plants, construction sites, fabrication shops, shipyards, refineries, pipelines, and offshore platforms. Conditions range from climate-controlled shops to extreme outdoor environments. Travel, shift work, and overtime are common in many sectors.

Welder Job Outlook and Growth

Welding offers solid job security with particular strength in specialized areas.

BLS Projections

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 3% employment growth for welders from 2023–2033—about as fast as average. However, approximately 44,200 job openings are expected annually, driven by both growth and replacement of retiring workers.

High-Demand Sectors

Construction: Commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects require welders for structural steel, reinforcement, and specialized installations.

Energy: Oil and gas (pipelines, refineries), renewables (wind turbine manufacturing, solar installations), and power generation create consistent demand.

Manufacturing: Automotive, heavy equipment, machinery, and consumer goods require production and fabrication welders.

Aerospace and Defense: Aircraft, spacecraft, and military equipment manufacturing employs highly skilled welders at premium wages.

Skilled Welder Shortage

Industry reports cite persistent shortages of qualified welders, particularly in TIG and pipe specializations. This shortage creates opportunities for trained professionals—those with certifications and experience often have multiple job options and negotiating leverage.

Factors That Influence Welder Pay

Multiple factors determine where an individual welder falls within the broad salary range.

Specialization and Process Expertise

As detailed above, specialization is the biggest factor. TIG, pipe, underwater, and aerospace welders significantly out-earn general production welders.

Certifications

AWS (American Welding Society) certifications validate skills and open doors to higher-paying positions. Common certifications include Certified Welder (CW), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), and specialized process certifications. Employers in aerospace, nuclear, and pipeline work often require specific certifications.

Location

High-cost states and areas with strong industry presence pay more. Alaska, Hawaii, and energy-sector hubs offer the highest wages.

Industry Sector

Energy (oil/gas, nuclear), aerospace, and shipbuilding typically pay more than general manufacturing. The same welder might earn 30–50% more moving from a production shop to pipeline work.

Union Membership

Union welders often receive better hourly rates, comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, and job protections. Union apprenticeship programs also provide structured training and advancement.

Travel and Conditions

Welders willing to travel for projects, work in remote locations, or accept hazardous conditions (offshore, confined spaces, extreme weather) earn significant premiums—often 20–50%+ above shop rates.

Training Path and Certifications

Welding offers multiple entry paths, from formal education to on-the-job training.

Education Options

Trade school or community college: Welding programs typically take 6 months to 2 years and provide structured training across multiple processes. Many programs include preparation for AWS certification exams.

Apprenticeships: Union apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training, typically lasting 3–4 years. Apprentices earn while learning and graduate as journeymen.

On-the-job training: Some employers hire helpers with minimal experience and train them in-house. This path may limit early specialization but provides paid entry into the trade.

Key Certifications

AWS Certified Welder (CW): Tests practical welding skills in specific processes and positions. Widely recognized across industries.

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): For those moving into quality assurance and inspection roles—requires experience and exam passage.

Process-Specific Certifications: Specialized certifications for pipe welding, structural steel, aerospace applications, and other niches demonstrate advanced competence.

Career Progression

Many welders start in general production roles, gain experience, earn certifications, and gradually move into higher-paying specializations. Others enter through apprenticeships that provide broader training from the start.

How to Earn More as a Welder

Several strategies can significantly increase welder compensation.

Specialize in High-Demand Processes

TIG welding, pipe welding, and underwater welding command premiums. Invest in training and certification for these specializations—the ROI is substantial over a career.

Earn and Maintain Certifications

AWS certifications demonstrate competence and open doors. Keep certifications current—expired credentials limit opportunities.

Relocate to High-Pay Markets

If you're in a low-paying region, consider relocating to states with strong energy, construction, or manufacturing sectors. Alaska, Texas (Houston area), Louisiana, and Washington offer above-average welder wages.

Join a Union

Union membership often provides better wages, benefits, and job security. Union apprenticeship programs also offer excellent training.

Accept Travel Assignments

Travel welders working pipeline, shutdown, or project-based assignments often earn 20–50%+ more than shop welders. Per diem allowances add further value. The trade-off is time away from home.

Move Into Related Roles

Experienced welders can transition into: welding inspection (CWI), shop supervisor or foreman, robotic welding technician/programmer, welding instructor, or sales/technical representative roles. These positions often offer higher pay and reduced physical demands.

For negotiation tactics when seeking better pay, see our salary negotiation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average welder salary in 2025?

The average welder salary in 2025 is approximately $43,000–$51,000 per year, or $18–$24 per hour. However, this average includes both entry-level production welders and experienced specialists. Specialized welders (TIG, pipe, underwater) commonly earn $55,000–$100,000+.

How much do TIG welders make?

TIG welders typically earn $45,000–$65,000+ annually, with experienced TIG welders in aerospace, nuclear, or precision fabrication exceeding $70,000. TIG welding requires more skill and precision than MIG/stick, commanding premium pay.

Which states pay welders the most?

Alaska leads with average welder pay of $65,000–$76,000+, followed by Hawaii ($60,000–$70,000+) and energy-sector states like Wyoming and North Dakota ($55,000–$65,000+). Washington and Massachusetts also rank among the highest-paying states.

Is welding a good career in 2025?

Yes, for those suited to skilled trade work. Welding offers: accessible entry (trade school or apprenticeship, no college degree required), solid job security (consistent demand, aging workforce creating openings), clear path to higher income through specialization, and physical, hands-on work that many find satisfying. Trade-offs include physical demands, potential hazards, and sometimes irregular schedules.

Can welders make six figures?

Yes. Pipe welders, pipeline welders, underwater welders, and nuclear welders regularly earn $80,000–$120,000+. Factors that enable six-figure earnings include: specialized certifications, willingness to travel, working in high-demand sectors (energy, aerospace), overtime availability, and working in high-pay states. General production welders rarely reach six figures without advancing into specialized roles or supervision.