Welder salary
BLS occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers · also called cutter, solderer, brazer · Production · data for May 2025
Median salary $53,750 a year, US
Median hourly pay $25.84 an hour
Middle half earn $46,790–$63,010 25th to 75th percentile
Welders employed 416,210 +2.4% projected by 2035
How much does a welder make?
- The median welder salary in the US is $53,750 a year ($25.84 an hour): half of the 416,210 welders BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $56,760.
- The middle half earn between $46,790 and $63,010. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $39,240 and the top 10% more than $77,530.
- That is 5% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Alaska pays welders the most (median $80,840), followed by Hawaii ($79,000) and Connecticut ($64,880). Arkansas pays the least ($47,970).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Alaska, where the median is worth $78,977 in typical US prices, then Hawaii and Louisiana.
- In 105 of the 374 metro areas with data, the median welder salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of welders to grow 2.4% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 40,300 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what welders are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Welder salary range
Half of welders earn between $46,790 and $63,010 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $39,240
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $46,790
Median Yearly pay: $53,750
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $63,010
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $77,530
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $39,240 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $46,790 |
| Median | $53,750 |
| Top 25% earn over | $63,010 |
| Top 10% earn over | $77,530 |
Welder salary by state
Alaska pays welders the most; Arkansas the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($53,750), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,840 median |
| Hawaii | $79,000 median |
| Connecticut | $64,880 median |
| Wyoming | $63,820 median |
| Washington | $63,020 median |
| Massachusetts | $62,570 median |
| New Hampshire | $62,360 median |
| Louisiana | $62,250 median |
| Maine | $62,220 median |
| North Dakota | $62,000 median |
| Nevada | $61,520 median |
| Vermont | $60,890 median |
| Maryland | $60,310 median |
| Minnesota | $60,280 median |
| District of Columbia | $60,180 median |
| New Mexico | $59,840 median |
| Oregon | $59,450 median |
| New Jersey | $59,440 median |
| Virginia | $59,180 median |
| New York | $59,140 median |
| Colorado | $58,590 median |
| Wisconsin | $58,410 median |
| Utah | $58,380 median |
| California | $58,060 median |
| Delaware | $57,270 median |
| Montana | $55,610 median |
| Arizona | $55,600 median |
| Iowa | $55,090 median |
| Texas | $53,340 median |
| Pennsylvania | $52,900 median |
| Nebraska | $52,220 median |
| Missouri | $51,950 median |
| Kentucky | $51,470 median |
| Illinois | $51,320 median |
| Mississippi | $51,100 median |
| Florida | $50,640 median |
| North Carolina | $50,590 median |
| Rhode Island | $50,580 median |
| Idaho | $50,530 median |
| Ohio | $50,340 median |
| Michigan | $49,990 median |
| South Carolina | $49,980 median |
| Indiana | $49,730 median |
| Oklahoma | $49,720 median |
| South Dakota | $49,440 median |
| Kansas | $49,410 median |
| West Virginia | $48,810 median |
| Alabama | $48,490 median |
| Georgia | $48,430 median |
| Tennessee | $48,040 median |
| Arkansas | $47,970 median |
Where welder pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Welders' pay goes furthest in Alaska once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $78,977 |
| Hawaii | $71,850 |
| Louisiana | $70,573 |
| North Dakota | $69,695 |
| Wyoming | $68,852 |
| New Mexico | $64,894 |
| Maine | $64,111 |
| Iowa | $62,772 |
| Connecticut | $62,619 |
| Vermont | $62,159 |
Welder pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,840 | $38.87 | $49,660 | $109,940 | 790 | $78,977 |
| Hawaii | $79,000 | $37.98 | $50,000 | $100,220 | 520 | $71,850 |
| Connecticut | $64,880 | $31.19 | $43,590 | $87,980 | 1,790 | $62,619 |
| Wyoming | $63,820 | $30.68 | $47,220 | $89,610 | 1,850 | $68,852 |
| Washington | $63,020 | $30.30 | $47,980 | $86,250 | 7,720 | $58,890 |
| Massachusetts | $62,570 | $30.08 | $47,720 | $83,430 | 2,830 | $59,164 |
| New Hampshire | $62,360 | $29.98 | $47,540 | $80,290 | 1,110 | $59,867 |
| Louisiana | $62,250 | $29.93 | $42,810 | $81,750 | 13,690 | $70,573 |
| Maine | $62,220 | $29.91 | $47,230 | $76,220 | 1,690 | $64,111 |
| North Dakota | $62,000 | $29.81 | $46,660 | $83,290 | 2,590 | $69,695 |
| Nevada | $61,520 | $29.58 | $44,530 | $95,050 | 1,600 | $61,533 |
| Vermont | $60,890 | $29.27 | $45,650 | $74,870 | 340 | $62,159 |
| Maryland | $60,310 | $29.00 | $40,590 | $95,280 | 2,850 | $57,461 |
| Minnesota | $60,280 | $28.98 | $45,690 | $75,710 | 9,270 | $61,123 |
| District of Columbia | $60,180 | $28.93 | $48,400 | $75,580 | 280 | $54,758 |
| New Mexico | $59,840 | $28.77 | $36,860 | $92,760 | 2,390 | $64,894 |
| Oregon | $59,450 | $28.58 | $46,070 | $79,230 | 5,240 | $57,517 |
| New Jersey | $59,440 | $28.58 | $43,290 | $81,760 | 3,730 | $54,630 |
| Virginia | $59,180 | $28.45 | $42,520 | $79,630 | 10,100 | $58,534 |
| New York | $59,140 | $28.43 | $43,840 | $87,110 | 8,310 | $54,799 |
| Colorado | $58,590 | $28.17 | $44,100 | $79,700 | 4,970 | $56,855 |
| Wisconsin | $58,410 | $28.08 | $47,060 | $70,720 | 15,320 | $62,076 |
| Utah | $58,380 | $28.07 | $43,850 | $79,520 | 4,440 | $59,051 |
| California | $58,060 | $27.91 | $44,520 | $81,940 | 26,060 | $52,439 |
| Delaware | $57,270 | $27.53 | $45,550 | $75,560 | 600 | $57,380 |
| Montana | $55,610 | $26.74 | $43,720 | $81,470 | 1,530 | $58,756 |
| Arizona | $55,600 | $26.73 | $39,970 | $81,280 | 7,270 | $55,226 |
| Iowa | $55,090 | $26.49 | $45,590 | $65,250 | 9,270 | $62,772 |
| Texas | $53,340 | $25.64 | $38,380 | $80,240 | 52,000 | $54,957 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,900 | $25.43 | $40,510 | $74,870 | 17,850 | $54,216 |
| Nebraska | $52,220 | $25.11 | $43,850 | $66,900 | 4,200 | $57,956 |
| Missouri | $51,950 | $24.98 | $38,200 | $78,150 | 10,600 | $57,203 |
| Kentucky | $51,470 | $24.75 | $39,300 | $69,010 | 6,630 | $57,088 |
| Illinois | $51,320 | $24.67 | $38,890 | $76,730 | 16,260 | $51,342 |
| Mississippi | $51,100 | $24.57 | $36,800 | $64,440 | 6,460 | $58,767 |
| Florida | $50,640 | $24.35 | $39,200 | $70,390 | 16,420 | $48,968 |
| North Carolina | $50,590 | $24.32 | $38,540 | $71,240 | 11,750 | $53,633 |
| Rhode Island | $50,580 | $24.32 | $35,560 | $81,000 | 2,300 | $49,452 |
| Idaho | $50,530 | $24.29 | $40,370 | $70,790 | 3,300 | $52,914 |
| Ohio | $50,340 | $24.20 | $38,990 | $70,510 | 20,330 | $54,261 |
| Michigan | $49,990 | $24.03 | $39,090 | $70,200 | 13,330 | $51,955 |
| South Carolina | $49,980 | $24.03 | $38,720 | $64,510 | 7,380 | $53,313 |
| Indiana | $49,730 | $23.91 | $38,410 | $74,880 | 13,280 | $53,285 |
| Oklahoma | $49,720 | $23.90 | $37,860 | $70,640 | 9,960 | $56,601 |
| South Dakota | $49,440 | $23.77 | $38,100 | $63,380 | 3,250 | $55,810 |
| Kansas | $49,410 | $23.75 | $37,790 | $66,680 | 6,370 | $54,859 |
| West Virginia | $48,810 | $23.47 | $36,700 | $73,780 | 2,100 | $54,538 |
| Alabama | $48,490 | $23.31 | $36,710 | $66,820 | 12,450 | $54,592 |
| Georgia | $48,430 | $23.28 | $38,030 | $65,160 | 13,130 | $50,294 |
| Tennessee | $48,040 | $23.10 | $37,840 | $64,200 | 12,510 | $52,291 |
| Arkansas | $47,970 | $23.06 | $37,380 | $62,830 | 6,150 | $55,178 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Welder salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes welder pay: 377 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Lima, OH $85,790
- Honolulu, HI $81,120
- Fairbanks, AK $80,210
- Baton Rouge, LA $78,170
- Hartford, CT $75,040
- Anchorage, AK $74,000
- Lake Charles, LA $72,920
- Bremerton, WA $71,720
- Kahului, HI $67,280
- Portland, ME $66,420
Where the pay goes furthest
- Lima, OH $95,674
- Baton Rouge, LA $86,109
- Lake Charles, LA $84,937
- Fairbanks, AK $77,717
- St. Joseph, MO $76,474
- Alexandria, LA $75,263
- Shreveport, LA $75,042
- Honolulu, HI $73,107
- Hartford, CT $73,034
- St. Cloud, MN $71,686
All 377 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima, OH | $85,790 | 470 | $95,674 | 17% |
| Honolulu, HI | $81,120 | 430 | $73,107 | 45% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $80,210 | 70 | $77,717 | 28% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $78,170 | 3,690 | $86,109 | 21% |
| Hartford, CT | $75,040 | 670 | $73,034 | 32% |
| Anchorage, AK | $74,000 | 250 | $70,195 | 31% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $72,920 | 970 | $84,937 | 22% |
| Bremerton, WA | $71,720 | 740 | $67,912 | 34% |
| Kahului, HI | $67,280 | 40 | $61,503 | 57% |
| Portland, ME | $66,420 | 1,060 | $65,208 | 41% |
| Seattle, WA | $66,240 | 3,230 | $59,604 | 41% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $66,060 | 610 | $76,474 | 18% |
| Boulder, CO | $65,040 | 260 | $61,824 | 41% |
| Kennewick, WA | $64,720 | 260 | $64,669 | 31% |
| Alexandria, LA | $64,490 | 230 | $75,263 | 19% |
| Staunton, VA | $64,470 | 390 | $70,747 | 27% |
| San Francisco, CA | $64,320 | 1,990 | $55,634 | 64% |
| San Jose, CA | $64,140 | 1,050 | $58,086 | 71% |
| Vallejo, CA | $63,860 | 280 | $58,869 | 46% |
| Boston, MA | $63,770 | 2,210 | $58,901 | 56% |
| Bellingham, WA | $63,720 | 320 | $61,664 | 37% |
| Shreveport, LA | $63,610 | 910 | $75,042 | 24% |
| Odessa, TX | $63,470 | 790 | $67,596 | 30% |
| Burlington, VT | $63,460 | 140 | $62,863 | 49% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $63,440 | 210 | $59,365 | 54% |
| Gulfport, MS | $63,440 | 2,220 | $70,484 | 27% |
| New Orleans, LA | $63,270 | 2,000 | $68,328 | 30% |
| Napa, CA | $62,890 | 70 | $55,875 | 55% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $62,820 | 620 | $71,686 | 23% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $62,800 | 430 | $61,302 | 42% |
| Albany, OR | $62,790 | 280 | $61,499 | 31% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $62,670 | 3,740 | $63,988 | 36% |
| Casper, WY | $62,660 | 480 | $66,781 | 27% |
| San Diego, CA | $62,560 | 2,940 | $55,914 | 57% |
| Minot, ND | $62,060 | 80 | $71,310 | 24% |
| Portland, OR | $62,050 | 3,300 | $58,859 | 35% |
| Bismarck, ND | $62,000 | 320 | $68,114 | 25% |
| Baltimore, MD | $61,920 | 1,290 | $59,261 | 38% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $61,880 | 4,600 | $59,033 | 34% |
| New York, NY | $61,680 | 5,780 | $54,796 | 69% |
| New Haven, CT | $61,630 | 180 | $58,943 | 40% |
| Carson City, NV | $61,520 | 60 | $62,692 | 40% |
| Mobile, AL | $61,420 | 1,700 | $69,718 | 25% |
| Midland, TX | $61,410 | 810 | $64,114 | 31% |
| Fargo, ND | $61,140 | 690 | $67,282 | 22% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $60,930 | 230 | $66,486 | 22% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $60,880 | 90 | $61,584 | 40% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $60,840 | 80 | $60,381 | 40% |
| Slidell, LA | $60,810 | 330 | $65,580 | – |
| Oshkosh, WI | $60,720 | 540 | $65,340 | 25% |
| Washington, DC | $60,670 | 2,000 | $55,720 | 48% |
| Rochester, MN | $60,380 | 510 | $66,482 | 32% |
| Worcester, MA | $60,320 | 330 | $58,836 | 42% |
| Ogden, UT | $60,240 | 960 | $60,030 | 32% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $60,190 | 1,490 | $59,672 | 33% |
| Janesville, WI | $60,000 | 520 | $64,032 | 26% |
| Des Moines, IA | $59,980 | 1,170 | $65,408 | 26% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $59,900 | 660 | $66,135 | 26% |
| Longview, WA | $59,860 | 120 | $61,367 | 28% |
| Anniston, AL | $59,820 | 430 | $69,599 | 19% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $59,660 | 440 | $58,995 | 40% |
| Madison, WI | $59,530 | 1,010 | $61,190 | 36% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $59,460 | 740 | $63,246 | 27% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $59,450 | 1,280 | $64,152 | 29% |
| Albany, NY | $59,390 | 550 | $59,649 | 34% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $59,390 | 3,400 | $61,267 | 31% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $59,380 | 80 | $60,273 | 30% |
| Spokane, WA | $59,350 | 630 | $59,145 | 31% |
| Racine, WI | $59,200 | 370 | $61,692 | 30% |
| Beaumont, TX | $59,190 | 1,980 | $65,733 | 27% |
| Greeley, CO | $59,180 | 730 | $59,076 | 34% |
| Bozeman, MT | $59,140 | 170 | $57,692 | 45% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $59,140 | 110 | $62,341 | 29% |
| Austin, TX | $59,040 | 2,210 | $60,204 | 33% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $59,030 | 180 | $61,177 | 31% |
| Peoria, IL | $58,960 | 1,230 | $64,627 | 24% |
| Appleton, WI | $58,920 | 970 | $63,753 | 24% |
| Denver, CO | $58,890 | 1,990 | $55,671 | 39% |
| Green Bay, WI | $58,850 | 840 | $63,221 | 23% |
| La Crosse, WI | $58,800 | 300 | $64,074 | 28% |
| Reno, NV | $58,800 | 390 | $58,210 | 42% |
| Olympia, WA | $58,680 | 140 | $56,603 | 42% |
| Ames, IA | $58,560 | 170 | $65,924 | 24% |
| Manchester, NH | $58,510 | 270 | $55,377 | 44% |
| Hammond, LA | $58,490 | 60 | $69,252 | 27% |
| Salisbury, MD | $58,480 | 60 | $61,161 | 40% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $58,460 | 200 | $53,426 | 46% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $58,380 | 4,630 | $56,926 | 39% |
| El Centro, CA | $58,350 | 70 | $61,309 | 37% |
| Salinas, CA | $58,240 | 200 | $53,411 | 57% |
| Sioux City, IA | $58,230 | 440 | $67,354 | 27% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $58,200 | 190 | $67,157 | 23% |
| Pocatello, ID | $58,140 | 180 | $65,395 | 22% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $58,110 | 350 | $62,621 | 24% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $57,980 | 730 | $57,856 | 36% |
| Houston, TX | $57,940 | 15,850 | $58,745 | 34% |
| Iowa City, IA | $57,780 | 130 | $63,141 | 36% |
| Kenosha, WI | $57,780 | 250 | $57,141 | – |
| Bay City, MI | $57,760 | 130 | $62,837 | 21% |
| Lafayette, LA | $57,750 | 1,860 | $66,220 | 29% |
| Richmond, VA | $57,710 | 1,260 | $58,973 | 35% |
| Decatur, IL | $57,670 | 200 | $65,221 | 22% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $57,650 | 250 | $62,183 | 35% |
| Kingston, NY | $57,600 | 120 | $57,194 | 42% |
| Yakima, WA | $57,450 | 290 | $60,129 | 28% |
| Farmington, NM | $57,440 | 500 | $65,491 | 29% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $57,420 | 90 | $57,915 | 43% |
| Duluth, MN | $57,410 | 370 | $64,674 | 28% |
| Kansas City, MO | $57,370 | 2,710 | $61,993 | 32% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $57,360 | 800 | $56,856 | 38% |
| Greenville, NC | $57,360 | 230 | $64,885 | 31% |
| Corvallis, OR | $57,350 | 60 | $55,135 | 38% |
| Sacramento, CA | $57,290 | 1,530 | $53,708 | 48% |
| Salem, OR | $57,180 | 410 | $55,167 | 35% |
| Rochester, NY | $57,130 | 650 | $58,876 | 32% |
| Decatur, AL | $56,990 | 530 | $65,347 | 23% |
| Houma, LA | $56,990 | 1,350 | $66,966 | 27% |
| Raleigh, NC | $56,940 | 1,090 | $58,009 | 35% |
| Bend, OR | $56,910 | 330 | $54,929 | 47% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $56,750 | 560 | $63,791 | 26% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $56,720 | 260 | $52,624 | 56% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $56,540 | 5,440 | $54,725 | 37% |
| Naples, FL | $56,440 | 180 | $54,690 | 55% |
| Savannah, GA | $56,410 | 460 | $59,250 | 38% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $56,160 | 7,850 | $49,451 | 63% |
| Dubuque, IA | $56,100 | 330 | $64,241 | 23% |
| Charlotte, NC | $56,070 | 3,370 | $57,597 | 37% |
| Charleston, SC | $56,060 | 830 | $55,526 | 44% |
| Roanoke, VA | $56,040 | 940 | $59,860 | 30% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $56,020 | 130 | $59,488 | 35% |
| Springfield, MA | $56,010 | 220 | $58,307 | 42% |
| Lewiston, ID | $55,890 | 210 | $61,310 | 32% |
| Wausau, WI | $55,780 | 930 | $60,204 | 21% |
| Great Falls, MT | $55,720 | 120 | $57,535 | 31% |
| Kingsport, TN | $55,690 | 450 | $64,421 | 29% |
| Syracuse, NY | $55,660 | 430 | $58,135 | 35% |
| Lewiston, ME | $55,520 | 80 | $58,605 | 34% |
| Amarillo, TX | $55,460 | 620 | $60,401 | 28% |
| Buffalo, NY | $55,420 | 970 | $57,823 | 31% |
| Weirton, WV | $55,410 | 180 | $62,242 | 18% |
| Wilmington, NC | $55,340 | 260 | $57,394 | 38% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $55,270 | 470 | $54,882 | 38% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $55,200 | 850 | $60,906 | 28% |
| York, PA | $55,070 | 730 | $57,365 | 30% |
| Sherman, TX | $55,020 | 290 | $58,675 | 30% |
| Reading, PA | $54,840 | 870 | $56,501 | 34% |
| Allentown, PA | $54,790 | 860 | $54,808 | 40% |
| Provo, UT | $54,740 | 790 | $55,725 | 39% |
| Winchester, VA | $54,690 | 120 | $56,703 | 40% |
| Eugene, OR | $54,670 | 530 | $53,826 | 39% |
| Trenton, NJ | $54,640 | 180 | $52,956 | 55% |
| Miami, FL | $54,590 | 3,510 | $47,821 | 58% |
| Oxnard, CA | $54,560 | 580 | $49,360 | 65% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $54,460 | 60 | $54,284 | 47% |
| Lancaster, PA | $54,370 | 1,270 | $55,334 | 35% |
| Wichita, KS | $54,190 | 1,460 | $60,925 | 27% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $54,180 | 220 | $53,707 | 42% |
| Greensboro, NC | $54,180 | 1,180 | $58,343 | 31% |
| Ithaca, NY | $54,170 | 30 | $52,431 | 44% |
| Springfield, MO | $54,080 | 1,060 | $61,049 | 28% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $54,030 | 90 | $55,123 | 44% |
| Lincoln, NE | $53,990 | 820 | $58,953 | 28% |
| Lexington, KY | $53,680 | 480 | $57,789 | 36% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $53,630 | 400 | $59,471 | 27% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $53,610 | 3,600 | $56,628 | 33% |
| Tulsa, OK | $53,550 | 4,520 | $60,024 | 31% |
| Michigan City, IN | $53,420 | 220 | $58,267 | 27% |
| Panama City, FL | $53,350 | 250 | $54,833 | 39% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $53,340 | 510 | $56,360 | 30% |
| Muncie, IN | $53,340 | 200 | $60,512 | 23% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $53,280 | 180 | $49,063 | 63% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $53,160 | 50 | $59,568 | 29% |
| Omaha, NE | $53,110 | 1,060 | $57,784 | 32% |
| Vineland, NJ | $53,000 | 70 | $55,227 | 37% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $52,970 | 210 | $58,504 | 26% |
| Clarksville, TN | $52,970 | 490 | $58,243 | 30% |
| Mankato, MN | $52,940 | 280 | $58,205 | 28% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $52,820 | 30 | $53,479 | 44% |
| College Station, TX | $52,800 | 330 | $58,053 | 34% |
| Providence, RI | $52,800 | 2,490 | $51,880 | 49% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $52,800 | 170 | $48,530 | 75% |
| Waterbury, CT | $52,710 | 200 | $52,827 | – |
| Columbia, MO | $52,700 | 200 | $58,924 | 33% |
| Billings, MT | $52,670 | 430 | $56,316 | 32% |
| Chicago, IL | $52,650 | 9,320 | $50,823 | 49% |
| Modesto, CA | $52,590 | 450 | $50,515 | 47% |
| Asheville, NC | $52,540 | 290 | $54,442 | 39% |
| Redding, CA | $52,450 | 100 | $52,094 | 38% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $52,410 | 580 | $51,207 | 42% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $52,330 | 420 | $53,046 | 34% |
| Longview, TX | $52,300 | 1,270 | $58,446 | 26% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $52,270 | 290 | $52,151 | 53% |
| Jackson, MS | $52,220 | 530 | $58,643 | 34% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $52,180 | 290 | $59,483 | 38% |
| Riverside, CA | $52,050 | 3,810 | $48,900 | 58% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $51,990 | 3,160 | $54,514 | 35% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $51,970 | 610 | $58,156 | 30% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $51,900 | 340 | $60,436 | 29% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $51,870 | 110 | $54,662 | 39% |
| Monroe, LA | $51,870 | 420 | $62,048 | 27% |
| North Port, FL | $51,820 | 910 | $50,597 | 49% |
| Detroit, MI | $51,810 | 4,580 | $51,656 | 35% |
| Owensboro, KY | $51,700 | 410 | $58,346 | 29% |
| Rapid City, SD | $51,690 | 200 | $57,974 | 34% |
| St. Louis, MO | $51,640 | 2,820 | $54,308 | 33% |
| Dallas, TX | $51,630 | 10,620 | $50,082 | 39% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $51,580 | 170 | $54,024 | 40% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $51,580 | 360 | $58,630 | 23% |
| Altoona, PA | $51,540 | 170 | $57,582 | 23% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $51,510 | 230 | $52,405 | 43% |
| Stockton, CA | $51,480 | 740 | $48,987 | 57% |
| Topeka, KS | $51,390 | 330 | $57,859 | 29% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $51,330 | 100 | $52,506 | 37% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $51,300 | 200 | $52,211 | 44% |
| Columbus, OH | $51,260 | 2,190 | $53,693 | 36% |
| Pueblo, CO | $51,190 | 310 | $55,786 | 31% |
| Tucson, AZ | $51,150 | 740 | $52,789 | 35% |
| Waterloo, IA | $51,080 | 540 | $58,674 | 24% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $51,070 | 2,790 | $53,367 | 36% |
| Yuba City, CA | $51,040 | 90 | $48,967 | 48% |
| State College, PA | $51,030 | 140 | $52,738 | 46% |
| Evansville, IN | $50,960 | 350 | $55,677 | 26% |
| Elkhart, IN | $50,950 | 2,000 | $56,407 | 28% |
| Lebanon, PA | $50,920 | 250 | $54,627 | 34% |
| St. George, UT | $50,890 | 160 | $52,291 | 44% |
| Louisville, KY | $50,870 | 1,790 | $54,655 | 32% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $50,840 | 90 | $46,262 | 82% |
| Augusta, GA | $50,800 | 680 | $55,276 | 35% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $50,770 | 170 | $53,775 | 34% |
| Burlington, NC | $50,740 | 120 | $54,444 | 32% |
| Crestview, FL | $50,710 | 120 | $52,262 | 47% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $50,640 | 1,420 | $50,903 | 40% |
| Bangor, ME | $50,590 | 140 | $52,421 | 36% |
| Binghamton, NY | $50,560 | 110 | $54,446 | 38% |
| Fresno, CA | $50,550 | 950 | $49,482 | 49% |
| Manhattan, KS | $50,550 | 180 | $56,066 | 30% |
| Canton, OH | $50,510 | 860 | $56,495 | 27% |
| Dayton, OH | $50,390 | 820 | $54,362 | 31% |
| Lansing, MI | $50,370 | 370 | $53,026 | 31% |
| Akron, OH | $50,340 | 1,170 | $53,915 | 31% |
| Merced, CA | $50,340 | 310 | $51,224 | 49% |
| Medford, OR | $50,270 | 200 | $49,560 | 44% |
| Boise, ID | $50,240 | 1,400 | $51,062 | 46% |
| Orlando, FL | $50,200 | 2,020 | $49,498 | 46% |
| Rockford, IL | $50,200 | 870 | $54,474 | 31% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $50,170 | 340 | $53,492 | 36% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $50,030 | 110 | $53,168 | 37% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $49,980 | 510 | $52,310 | 36% |
| Birmingham, AL | $49,930 | 2,160 | $54,483 | 34% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $49,930 | 600 | $49,928 | 45% |
| Tampa, FL | $49,930 | 2,520 | $49,490 | 48% |
| Wheeling, WV | $49,920 | 160 | $56,520 | 21% |
| Kokomo, IN | $49,860 | 110 | $55,618 | 26% |
| Springfield, IL | $49,860 | 100 | $53,760 | 29% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $49,820 | 710 | $54,717 | 36% |
| Jackson, MI | $49,790 | 130 | $54,250 | 29% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $49,780 | 80 | $54,122 | 35% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $49,780 | 90 | $47,932 | 42% |
| Sebastian, FL | $49,770 | 80 | $50,627 | 51% |
| Columbia, SC | $49,730 | 830 | $53,095 | 38% |
| Lawton, OK | $49,720 | 80 | $57,854 | 27% |
| Yuma, AZ | $49,680 | 120 | $53,589 | 34% |
| Atlanta, GA | $49,630 | 5,240 | $49,601 | 45% |
| Utica, NY | $49,630 | 230 | $53,551 | 34% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $49,600 | 250 | $56,356 | 31% |
| Monroe, MI | $49,570 | 240 | $53,021 | 31% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $49,500 | 160 | $56,486 | 32% |
| Nashville, TN | $49,460 | 2,590 | $51,340 | 44% |
| Traverse City, MI | $49,420 | 130 | $52,928 | 45% |
| Pensacola, FL | $49,370 | 250 | $50,523 | 42% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $49,330 | 90 | $56,658 | 26% |
| Columbus, IN | $49,320 | 310 | $53,031 | 34% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $49,300 | 890 | $53,256 | 31% |
| Durham, NC | $49,280 | 290 | $50,506 | 40% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $49,220 | 1,850 | $53,814 | 37% |
| Erie, PA | $49,180 | 740 | $54,074 | 27% |
| Greenville, SC | $49,130 | 1,760 | $52,681 | 38% |
| Toledo, OH | $49,130 | 960 | $53,720 | 31% |
| Enid, OK | $49,090 | 90 | $58,254 | 27% |
| Scranton, PA | $49,090 | 560 | $52,471 | 33% |
| Cleveland, OH | $49,040 | 3,510 | $52,213 | 35% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $49,040 | 40 | $52,468 | 43% |
| Niles, MI | $49,040 | 230 | $53,091 | 34% |
| Lafayette, IN | $49,020 | 560 | $52,467 | 36% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $49,010 | 110 | $51,384 | 34% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $49,010 | 230 | $54,752 | 32% |
| Beckley, WV | $48,960 | 120 | $55,404 | 26% |
| Grand Island, NE | $48,940 | 170 | $56,476 | 33% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $48,920 | 2,520 | $51,200 | 40% |
| Logan, UT | $48,920 | 350 | $50,997 | 35% |
| Elmira, NY | $48,820 | 90 | $51,717 | 28% |
| Saginaw, MI | $48,820 | 220 | $53,713 | 26% |
| Flint, MI | $48,810 | 200 | $52,465 | 26% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $48,760 | 2,200 | $53,933 | 34% |
| Chico, CA | $48,740 | 160 | $48,163 | 38% |
| Davenport, IA | $48,630 | 1,240 | $54,592 | 25% |
| Champaign, IL | $48,610 | 100 | $52,436 | 34% |
| Memphis, TN | $48,600 | 1,590 | $52,724 | 34% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $48,580 | 170 | $56,437 | 25% |
| Victoria, TX | $48,580 | 160 | $54,075 | 29% |
| Paducah, KY | $48,560 | 310 | $56,410 | 28% |
| Lakeland, FL | $48,520 | 820 | $49,948 | 45% |
| Dover, DE | $48,510 | 90 | $49,750 | 44% |
| Killeen, TX | $48,460 | 400 | $53,176 | 32% |
| Gainesville, GA | $48,430 | 890 | $50,049 | 42% |
| Brunswick, GA | $48,380 | 80 | $55,160 | 41% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $48,320 | 140 | $54,622 | 38% |
| Ocala, FL | $48,270 | 570 | $50,686 | 40% |
| San Antonio, TX | $48,220 | 2,510 | $50,910 | 35% |
| Lawrence, KS | $48,180 | 70 | $53,389 | 39% |
| Deltona, FL | $48,170 | 380 | $48,477 | 44% |
| Abilene, TX | $48,160 | 290 | $53,296 | 50% |
| Williamsport, PA | $48,130 | 160 | $52,117 | 27% |
| Midland, MI | $48,120 | 60 | $52,349 | 34% |
| Knoxville, TN | $48,040 | 1,780 | $51,896 | 43% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $48,040 | 60 | $47,789 | 46% |
| Charleston, WV | $48,000 | 190 | $54,105 | 30% |
| Athens, GA | $47,970 | 370 | $51,391 | 44% |
| Sandusky, OH | $47,900 | 200 | $53,651 | 45% |
| Montgomery, AL | $47,880 | 560 | $53,389 | 35% |
| Daphne, AL | $47,860 | 210 | $50,544 | 43% |
| Muskegon, MI | $47,850 | 390 | $51,719 | 32% |
| Springfield, OH | $47,780 | 220 | $52,806 | 30% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $47,740 | 570 | $52,259 | 39% |
| Missoula, MT | $47,720 | 160 | $49,479 | 41% |
| Youngstown, OH | $47,690 | 680 | $54,569 | 26% |
| South Bend, IN | $47,670 | 360 | $51,336 | 32% |
| Morgantown, WV | $47,650 | 140 | $51,059 | 34% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $47,560 | 250 | $50,148 | 32% |
| Hanford, CA | $47,520 | 60 | $46,766 | 49% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $47,520 | 80 | $52,676 | 37% |
| Kankakee, IL | $47,460 | 230 | $49,235 | 34% |
| Little Rock, AR | $47,440 | 1,190 | $53,086 | 31% |
| Sebring, FL | $47,250 | 40 | $51,098 | 39% |
| Valdosta, GA | $47,240 | 180 | $53,517 | 34% |
| Gainesville, FL | $47,230 | 150 | $48,825 | 42% |
| Dalton, GA | $47,190 | 120 | $52,524 | 36% |
| Albany, GA | $47,180 | 170 | $53,816 | 27% |
| Bloomington, IL | $47,180 | 70 | $50,440 | 33% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $47,130 | 220 | $50,182 | 38% |
| Morristown, TN | $47,070 | 180 | $54,502 | 40% |
| Huntington, WV | $46,980 | 550 | $53,132 | 28% |
| Visalia, CA | $46,850 | 350 | $46,932 | 44% |
| Johnstown, PA | $46,780 | 170 | $54,440 | 23% |
| Lubbock, TX | $46,760 | 500 | $51,206 | 34% |
| Cleveland, TN | $46,670 | 120 | $52,986 | 36% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $46,630 | 400 | $54,292 | 28% |
| San Angelo, TX | $46,440 | 270 | $50,231 | 34% |
| Macon, GA | $46,420 | 210 | $52,435 | 31% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $46,400 | 110 | $54,123 | 32% |
| Waco, TX | $46,380 | 630 | $50,113 | 37% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $46,370 | 1,230 | $50,379 | 40% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $46,090 | 350 | $52,496 | 25% |
| Hickory, NC | $46,080 | 450 | $52,076 | 42% |
| Johnson City, TN | $46,070 | 170 | $52,395 | 39% |
| Joplin, MO | $45,770 | 570 | $53,396 | 33% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $45,640 | 130 | $48,739 | 45% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $45,550 | 290 | $49,453 | 41% |
| Jackson, TN | $45,460 | 600 | $53,156 | 37% |
| Laredo, TX | $45,370 | 100 | $52,176 | 30% |
| Dothan, AL | $45,210 | 310 | $53,929 | 32% |
| Brownsville, TX | $45,020 | 650 | $52,364 | 40% |
| El Paso, TX | $45,000 | 650 | $50,049 | 41% |
| Florence, SC | $44,990 | 300 | $51,847 | 40% |
| Bloomington, IN | $44,730 | 60 | $47,043 | 47% |
| Sumter, SC | $44,540 | 170 | $50,602 | 40% |
| Florence, AL | $44,210 | 130 | $52,124 | 29% |
| Huntsville, AL | $44,020 | 1,810 | $47,297 | 38% |
| The Villages, FL | $43,490 | 80 | $50,911 | 48% |
| Mansfield, OH | $43,120 | 350 | $48,519 | 25% |
| Tyler, TX | $43,100 | 550 | $46,769 | 37% |
| Auburn, AL | $42,520 | 270 | $48,355 | 45% |
| Rome, GA | $42,280 | 160 | $46,894 | 36% |
| Gadsden, AL | $42,240 | 190 | $49,315 | 30% |
| Texarkana, TX | $41,920 | 590 | $49,898 | 36% |
| Columbus, GA | $40,100 | 330 | $44,907 | 40% |
| McAllen, TX | $39,710 | 350 | $46,231 | 34% |
What the median welder salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $53,750 |
| Month | $4,479 |
| Every two weeks | $2,067 |
| Week | $1,034 |
| Hour | $25.84 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a welder: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +2.4% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 40,300 |
| Self-employed | 4.3% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Machinist | $58,750 | High school diploma |
| Stationary engineer | $78,620 | High school diploma |
Questions about welder pay
How much does a welder make an hour?
The median is $25.84 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $18.87 and the top 10% over $37.28.
How much does a welder make a month?
About $4,479 a month before taxes at the median salary of $53,750, or $2,067 every two weeks.
What state pays welders the most?
Alaska, with a median of $80,840. Hawaii ($79,000), Connecticut ($64,880), Wyoming ($63,820) and Washington ($63,020) follow.
Where do welders make the most after cost of living?
Alaska: its median of $80,840 is worth $78,977 at typical US prices. Hawaii, Louisiana and North Dakota come next.
How much do entry-level welders make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of welders earn under $39,240 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $46,790, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a welder?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 51-4121 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.