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Combo Welder III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Combo Welder III in the United States is $63,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,640
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,050 to $68,170
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,396

Key Factors That Influence Combo Welder III Salaries

A Combo Welder III'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 IIIs

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: $79,790
  • San Francisco: $78,910
  • Oakland: $77,250

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 2.19% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Product Quality (Mentioned in 1.13% Job Postings): Product quality refers to how well a product satisfies customer needs, serves its purpose and meets industry standards. When evaluating product quality, businesses consider several key factors, including whether a product solves a problem, works efficiently or suits customers' purposes.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 0.83% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 2.19%
Product Quality 1.13%
Work Ethic 0.83%

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 III's salary.

  • Lean: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Container: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Lean $74,014
17%
Preventive Maintenance $71,484
13%
Container $68,321
8%

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

Combo Welder III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,696. While startup companies pay approximate $59,801.

Combo Welder III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $59,801
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,246
Established 501~5000 $68,266
Enterprise 5000+ $70,696

Combo Welder III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Combo Welder III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 27% above the average. In contrast, Combo Welder positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Combo Welder III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Combo Welder III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$80,340$39.027%
Biotechnology$77,177$37.022%
Software & Networking$75,279$36.019%
Financial Services$74,014$36.017%
Internet$72,749$35.015%

How Education impacts a Combo Welder III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Combo Welder IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $62,185 and $66,936).

Combo Welder III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Combo Welder III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.6%
High School 80.1%
Associates 12.6%
Bachelors 3.1%
Masters 2.1%
Doctorate 0.5%

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

Understanding how a Combo Welder III'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
$57,050
Average $63,260/year
$68,170
$4,754
Average $5,272/month
$5,681
$1,097
Average $1,217/week
$1,311
$27
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,170 $5,681 $1,311 $33
Average $63,260 $5,272 $1,217 $30
25th Percentile $57,050 $4,754 $1,097 $27

Combo Welder III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Combo Welder III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Boiler Welder IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,200 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Combo Welder III

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

Common company salaries for Combo Welder III

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

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FAQ about Combo Welder III

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Combo Welder III roles, with salaries approximately 27% above the market median.

2. What trade makes the most money?

While various trades offer competitive salaries, Combo Welders earn between $58,810 and $77,150, with a median salary of $66,880. This positions them among the higher-paid trades, alongside roles like Construction Managers and Elevator Installers, which also command significant earnings in the industry.

3. What is a combo welder?

A combo welder is responsible for fabricating, repairing, and maintaining metal parts using specialized equipment. They are often sought after on construction sites for welding beams and other structural components. The salary for a combo welder typically ranges from $58,810 to $77,150, with a median salary of $66,880.

4. Can welders make 300k a year?

Welders, including Combo Welders, typically earn between $58,810 and $77,150 annually, with a mid-salary of $66,880. While some specialized welders, like underwater welders, can earn significantly more—often exceeding $100,000 and reaching up to $300,000 or more—this is not the case for most Combo Welders.

5. Can you make $100,000 a year welding?

Yes, a welder can make $100,000 a year, but it often depends on several factors. The average salary for a Combo Welder ranges from $58,810 to $77,150, with a mid-salary of $66,880. Highly skilled welders, especially those with specialized certifications, can command higher wages, potentially reaching or exceeding the $100,000 mark.

6. Does welding pay 6 figures?

Welding typically does not pay six figures. For Combo Welders, salaries range from $58,810 to $77,150 annually, with a mid-salary of $66,880. While some specialized welders may earn higher, most fall below the six-figure mark. For instance, stick welders earn between $47,073 and $44,000 annually, depending on location and experience.

7. What state pays best for welding?

The best-paying state for welders is Alaska, offering salaries that can reach up to $77,150. Following closely is Hawaii, where welders earn around $66,880 on average. The District of Columbia ranks third, with competitive salaries, while Connecticut and New Jersey also provide attractive compensation for welding professionals. Minimum salaries start at $58,810.

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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