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Skilled Trades

Welder Salary

Welders use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts, applying heat and filler metals to repair or create metal structures and components.

Median: $47,010 Growth: 2% BLS Data

Welder Salary Range

Entry Level
$34,000
0-2 years
Mid Career
$47,000
5-10 years
Senior Level
$65,000
10+ years

Salary Percentiles

10th Percentile $32,480
25th Percentile $38,000
Median (50th) $47,010
75th Percentile $58,760
90th Percentile $72,970

Top Paying States for Welders

1 Alaska
$68,000
2 Hawaii
$64,000
$60,000
$58,000
$56,000

Job Outlook & Education

Growth Rate
+2%
Stable
Education
High school diploma and welding certification or apprenticeship

How Much Do Welders Make?

The median annual salary for a welder in the United States is $47,010 as of 2026. This means half of welders earn more than this amount, and half earn less.

Salary by Experience Level

  • Entry Level (0-2 years): $34,000
  • Mid Career (5-10 years): $47,000
  • Senior Level (10+ years): $65,000

Calculate Your Take-Home

See exactly how much you'll take home after taxes with our income calculator.

Calculate $47,010 Salary

Hourly Equivalent

Based on 2,080 work hours/year

$22/hr
See $22/hr Breakdown

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What Can a Welder Afford?

Based on median salary of $47,010

Max Rent $1,200/mo
Max Car Payment $480/mo
Monthly Savings $635/mo
See Full Budget Breakdown

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