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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Combo Welder II in the United States is $56,070 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Combo Welder II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,081
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,840 to $61,310
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,078

Key Factors That Influence Combo Welder II Salaries

A Combo Welder II'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.

Top Paying Cities for Combo Welder IIs

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: $70,730
  • San Francisco: $69,950
  • Oakland: $68,480

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 11.22% 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 3.11% Job Postings): Developing and implementing maintenance strategies to increase equipment life expectancy and avoid unplanned downtime.
  • Pneumatics (Mentioned in 1.08% 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 11.22%
Preventative Maintenance 3.11%
Pneumatics 1.08%

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 II's salary.

  • Building Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Custodial: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Building Maintenance $59,995
7%
Analysis $58,874
5%
Custodial $58,313
4%

Combo Welder II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Combo Welder II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,661. While startup companies pay approximate $53,004.

Combo Welder II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $53,004
Growth Stage 51~500 $56,058
Established 501~5000 $60,507
Enterprise 5000+ $62,661

Combo Welder II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Combo Welder II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Combo Welder positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Combo Welder II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Combo Welder II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$67,284$32.020%
Energy & Utilities$64,480$31.015%
Aerospace & Defense$61,677$30.010%
Healthcare$61,677$30.010%
Pharmaceuticals$61,677$30.010%

How Education impacts a Combo Welder II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Combo Welder IIs 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 II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $52,836 and $56,473).

Combo Welder II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Combo Welder II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 80.8%
High School 80.8%
Associates 12.8%
Bachelors 5.1%
Masters 1.3%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a Combo Welder II'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
$50,840
Average $56,070/year
$61,310
$4,237
Average $4,673/month
$5,109
$978
Average $1,078/week
$1,179
$24
Average $27/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,310 $5,109 $1,179 $29
Average $56,070 $4,673 $1,078 $27
25th Percentile $50,840 $4,237 $978 $24

Combo Welder II Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Combo Welder II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Boiler Welder III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $63,300 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Combo Welder II

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

Common company salaries for Combo Welder II

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

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FAQ about Combo Welder II

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Combo Welder II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Can a welder make 200k?

While some specialized welders can earn high salaries, the average salary for a Combo Welder ranges from $50,500 to $64,690, with a mid-salary of $56,680. Achieving a salary of $200,000 typically requires advanced skills, experience, and working in high-demand industries like industrial construction.

3. How long is a Level 2 welding course?

A Level 2 welding course typically runs for 20 to 34 weeks, with classes held one evening a week for 2.5 hours. Upon completion, Combo Welders can expect a salary range from $50,500 to $64,690, with a mid-salary of $56,680, reflecting the skills and expertise gained during the training.

4. What is the highest a welder can make per hour?

The highest a Combo Welder can make annually is $64,690, which translates to approximately $31.10 per hour. While salaries can vary, the minimum salary is $50,500 and the mid-range salary is $56,680, indicating a competitive pay scale for welders in the industry.

5. How can a welder make extra money?

Welders can boost their income by taking on various projects. They can offer repair services for trailers, auto bodies, and aluminum boats. Custom creations like grill grates, metal gates, fireplace screens, and trellises are also in demand. With a salary range of $50,500 to $64,690, diversifying skills can lead to increased earnings.

6. Can a welder make 6 figures?

Yes, welders can make six-figure incomes, but it typically requires a combination of factors such as experience, specialization, and location. The salary data for Combo Welders shows a range from $50,500 to $64,690, indicating that while entry-level positions may not reach six figures, advanced roles and overtime can lead to higher earnings.

7. How much does a level 2 welder make?

A level 2 welder, or Combo Welder, typically earns between $50,500 and $64,690 annually, with a median salary of around $56,680. This aligns with the average hourly pay of approximately $22.26, reflecting a range of wages based on experience and location.

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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