Welders join pieces of metal together through a variety of processes, with the most common being arc welding. Welders are found in many different industries, including construction, energy and manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the 2020 median pay for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers at $44,190 yearly. Welder salaries vary by the industry and the location, however.

Welder Salaries by Industry

Welders working in the electrical and natural gas industries make relatively high salaries. The BLS notes that welders in electrical power generation earn about $66,550 annually as of May, 2020, with natural gas industry welders earning $62,130. The architectural and structural metals manufacturing industry employs the most welders and as of May 2020 they earn $48,420 annually. According to BLS, welders in the motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing industry earned the lowest 2020 salaries at $42,650 per year.

Welder Salaries by State

Salaries for welders also vary widely by the state, with those in Alaska earning the highest pay, at $71,860 as of 2020. In Wyoming and North Dakota, both booming energy producing states, welder salaries came in at $59,800 and $57,320, respectively. Texas employs the most welders, with 2020 salaries pegged at about $48,070.

Welder Training Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become a welder. Welding training ranges from a few weeks of technical school or on-the-job training to several years of technical school paired with OJT. Welder employment is projected to grow by six percent through 2022, a slower than average rate.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $66,250 ($31.85/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $44,190 ($21.25/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $30,640 ($14.73/hour)