As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Combo Welder I in the United States is $45,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Combo Welder I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered HR
A Combo Welder I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Combo Welder I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Combo Welder I | 0-1 years | $45,332 |
| Boiler Welder II | 1-3 years | $56,047 |
| Boiler Welder III | 3-5 years | $63,209 |
| Boiler Welder IV | 5-7 years | $72,109 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Combo Welder Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 11.18% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 3.1% |
| Pneumatics | 1.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$49,421 |
9%
|
|
Repairing
|
$49,421 |
9%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$48,060 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$47,607 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$46,700 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$46,700 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Combo Welder Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Combo Welder I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $43,655 and $46,699).
Combo Welder I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.7% |
| High School | 72.4% |
| Associates | 15.0% |
| Bachelors | 6.3% |
| Masters | 1.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Combo Welder I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a Combo Welder I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Boiler Welder II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $56,100 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for a Combo Welder I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,286 in 2023 to around $44,183 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Combo Welder I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,286 |
| 2024 | $44,413 |
| 2025 | $44,183 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Combo Welder I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Combo Welder I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
While some Combo Welders may earn around $40 per hour, the salary data indicates that the minimum annual salary is $43,560, with a mid-range salary of $49,020 and a maximum of $56,310. This suggests that many welders earn above the average hourly rate of $16.48, depending on experience and location.
To make six figures as a welder, focus on acquiring specialized skills and certifications, and gain extensive experience. Target high-demand industries like aerospace, nuclear power, or underwater welding. While the average salary for a Combo Welder ranges from $43,560 to $56,310, advanced roles and specializations can significantly increase your earning potential.
Welders are well-compensated due to the specialized skills and expertise needed for the job, as well as the challenging work environments they often face. Salaries for Combo Welders typically range from $43,560 to $56,310, with a median salary of $49,020, reflecting variations based on location, industry, and experience.
While some specialized welders, like underwater welders, can earn significantly higher salaries, the average salary for a Combo Welder ranges from $43,560 to $56,310 annually. It's important to note that reaching $300,000 a year is uncommon for most welders, as it typically requires advanced skills and specialization.
While it's rare, a highly experienced Combo Welder could potentially earn $100,000 annually, especially in high-demand areas. However, typical salaries range from $43,560 to $56,310, with a median of $49,020. Factors such as specialization, location, and industry can significantly influence earnings.
A combo welder is responsible for making, repairing, and maintaining metal parts using specialized equipment. They are often preferred on construction sites, assisting with the welding of beams and other structural components. The salary for a combo welder ranges from $43,560 to $56,310, with a mid-range salary of $49,020.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
