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Combo Welder I Salary in the United States

How much does a Combo Welder I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Combo Welder I in the United States is $45,330 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $54,003
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,590 to $49,870
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,185
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Combo Welder I Salaries

A Combo Welder I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Combo Welder I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $50,190.
  • California: $50,000.
  • Massachusetts: $49,340.

Top Paying Cities for Combo Welder Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $57,180
  • San Francisco: $56,550
  • Oakland: $55,360

What Skills Can Increase a Combo Welder I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 11.18% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Preventative Maintenance (Mentioned in 3.1% Job Postings): Developing and implementing maintenance strategies to increase equipment life expectancy and avoid unplanned downtime.
  • Pneumatics (Mentioned in 1.07% Job Postings): Pneumatics (pronounced new-MATT-ix) is an aspect of physics and engineering that is concerned with using the energy in compressed gas to make something move or work.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 11.18%
Preventative Maintenance 3.1%
Pneumatics 1.07%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Combo Welder I's salary.

  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Repairing: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Verbal Communication $49,410
9%
Repairing $49,410
9%
Communicates Effectively $48,050
6%
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Combo Welder I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Combo Welder I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,658. While startup companies pay approximate $42,852.

Combo Welder I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,852
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,320
Established 501~5000 $48,917
Enterprise 5000+ $50,658

Combo Welder I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Combo Welder I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Combo Welder positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Combo Welder I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Combo Welder I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$58,929$28.030%
Aerospace & Defense$56,662$27.025%
Internet$56,662$27.025%
Energy & Utilities$54,396$26.020%
Chemicals$52,129$25.015%

How Education impacts a Combo Welder I's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Combo Welder I
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%
View as Graph

Combo Welder I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$41,590
Average $45,330/year
$49,870
$3,466
Average $3,778/month
$4,156
$800
Average $872/week
$959
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,870 $4,156 $959 $24
Average $45,330 $3,778 $872 $22
25th Percentile $41,590 $3,466 $800 $20

Combo Welder I Salary Growth & Career Path

Combo Welder I

Next Role

Advancement

For 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.

Most common benefits for Combo Welder I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Combo Welder I

Here are companies hiring for Combo Welder I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Combo Welder I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Combo Welder I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Combo Welder I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Can welders make $40 an hour?

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.

3. How to make six figures as a welder?

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.

4. Why are welders so highly paid?

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.

5. Can welders make 300k a year?

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.

6. Can welders make $100,000?

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.

7. What is a combo welder?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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