As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Journeyman Welder in the United States is $56,083 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Journeyman Welder's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Journeyman Welder'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 Journeyman Welder'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Welder I | 0-1 years | $45,329 |
| Journeyman Welder | 1-3 years | $56,064 |
| Boiler Welder III | 3-5 years | $63,242 |
| Boiler Welder IV | 5-7 years | $72,137 |
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 Journeyman Welders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 11.22% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 3.11% |
| Pneumatics | 1.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Maintenance
|
$60,009 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$58,887 |
5%
|
|
Custodial
|
$58,326 |
4%
|
|
Coaching
|
$58,326 |
4%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$58,326 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$57,765 |
3%
|
Journeyman Welder salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,782. While startup companies pay approximate $53,112.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,112 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,172 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $60,627 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $62,782 |
For Journeyman Welder 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, Journeyman Welder positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Journeyman Welder as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $67,300 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $64,495 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $61,691 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $61,691 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $61,691 | $30.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Journeyman Welders 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 Journeyman Welder with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $52,849 and $56,486).
Journeyman Welder Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Journeyman Welder'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 August 01, 2026For a Journeyman Welder, 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.
Salaries for a Journeyman Welder can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,247 in 2023 to around $47,515 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Journeyman Welder salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,247 |
| 2024 | $47,818 |
| 2025 | $47,515 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Journeyman Welder roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Welders typically earn between $50,513 and $64,703 annually, depending on their experience and the specific industry. While some specialized welders in industrial construction can exceed $200,000 per year, this is not common. Most welding positions offer salaries within the stated range, reflecting the varying demand and skill levels in the field.
The country that pays welders the most typically offers salaries ranging from $50,513 to $64,703, with a median salary of about $56,693. Factors influencing these salaries include demand for skilled labor, industry standards, and regional economic conditions.
While some specialized welders, like underwater or nuclear welders, can earn significantly higher salaries, the average salary for a journeyman welder ranges from $50,513 to $64,703 annually. Achieving a $300,000 salary is uncommon and typically requires advanced skills, experience, and working in high-demand sectors.
While it's unlikely for a journeyman welder to make $600,000 a year, they can earn a competitive salary. The minimum salary is around $50,513, with a mid-range salary of $56,693 and a maximum of $64,703. Achieving higher earnings typically requires extensive experience and specialization in the field.
Welders are highly paid due to the specialized skills and training required for the job. The demand for skilled welders drives salaries up, with journeyman welders earning between $50,513 and $64,703, depending on experience and location. Specialization in certain welding techniques can further increase earning potential.
Welding can be a lucrative career, especially for journeyman welders. The salary range typically falls between $50,513 and $64,703, with a median salary of $56,693. This indicates that skilled welders can earn above the national average of $45,689, making it a promising field for those with the right skills and experience.
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