What is the entry-level Welder salary?

Entry-level Welders typically start around $32,000 per year, rising toward $48,940 with experience.

What is the highest Welder salary?

Experienced Welders can earn around $72,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.

What education does a Welder need?

Most Welder roles require a Certificate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 2% — slower than average.

Trades · US Salary

Welder Salary

Median $48,940/yr · about $23.53/hr

Entry-level

$32,000

Median (typical)

$48,940

Experienced

$72,000

Job growth

+2%

slower than average

Education

Certificate

Field

Trades

How much does a Welder make?

The typical Welder in the United States earns a median salary of $48,940 per year — roughly $23.53 per hour. Pay ranges from about $32,000 for entry-level roles to $72,000 for experienced professionals.

Demand for Welders is projected to change by 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Most positions require a Certificate degree. Actual pay varies with location, industry, and employer — use our take-home pay calculator to estimate your after-tax income by state.

Welder Salary — FAQ

How much does a Welder make?: The median Welder salary in the US is $48,940 per year, which is about $23.53 per hour (at 2,080 hours/year).
What is the entry-level Welder salary?: Entry-level Welders typically start around $32,000 per year, rising toward $48,940 with experience.
What is the highest Welder salary?: Experienced Welders can earn around $72,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.
What education does a Welder need?: Most Welder roles require a Certificate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 2% — slower than average.

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