Welder Salary in 2026
Welders join metal parts using heat and pressure, working in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. They read blueprints, select materials, and inspect finished welds.
Median Salary
$48,000
$4,000/mo
Entry Level
$32,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$68,000
experienced
Job Growth
+2%
10-yr outlook
Welder Overview
Welders join metal parts using heat and pressure, working in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. They read blueprints, select materials, and inspect finished welds.
Education
Trade School Certificate
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Manufacturing
Total Jobs (US)
430K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$23.08/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,000
Welder Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Welder salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Welder Salary
$56,000
$4,667/month · $2,154/biweekly · $26.92/hr
Welder Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Welder field.
Entry-level Welders earn around $32,000, while the top 10% earn $76,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Welders
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $57,000 | +$9,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $47,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $46,000 | $-2,000 |
| Louisiana | $44,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Welders
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $54,000 | +$6,000 |
| Houston | $48,000 | $0 |
| Pittsburgh | $46,000 | $-2,000 |
| Cleveland | $45,000 | $-3,000 |
| Baton Rouge | $44,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Welder Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Welder from entry level to expert.
$32,000
0-2 years
$50,000
3-7 years
$68,000
8-14 years
$85,000
15+ years
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Welder Salary FAQ
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