As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welder I in the United States is $45,330 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Welder I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Welder I | 0-1 years | $45,330 |
| Welder II | 1-3 years | $56,058 |
| Welder III | 3-5 years | $63,231 |
| Welder IV | 5-7 years | $72,128 |
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 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
|
$49,410 |
9%
|
|
Repairing
|
$49,410 |
9%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$48,050 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$47,597 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$46,690 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$46,690 |
3%
|
Welder I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,701. While startup companies pay approximate $42,878.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,878 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $45,350 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,962 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,701 |
For 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, Welder positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Welder I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $58,929 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $56,662 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $56,662 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,396 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $52,129 | $25.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 Welder I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $44,667 and $47,821).
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 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 July 01, 2026For a Welder I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Welder II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $56,058 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for a 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 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
|
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A Welder I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Welder I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Welder I is $57,175.
The highest pay for Welder I is $53,996.
The lowest pay for Welder I is $38,187.
Joins, fabricates, and repairs metal and other weldable material by applying appropriate welding techniques. Interprets blueprints, specifications, diagrams or schematics to determine appropriate welding process. Inspects completed welds to determine structural soundness. Familiar with and complies with all safety requirements and protocols for working in a hazardous environment. May prepare the materials and set up for a welding device or robot. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Welder I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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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