As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mig /Tig Welder III in the United States is $63,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Mig /Tig Welder III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Mig /Tig Welder III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,190 | $5,683 | $1,311 | $33 |
| Average | $63,290 | $5,274 | $1,217 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,090 | $4,758 | $1,098 | $27 |
A Mig /Tig 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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 2.19% |
| Product Quality | 1.13% |
| Work Ethic | 0.83% |
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 Mig /Tig Welder III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Lean | $74,049 | |
| Preventive Maintenance | $71,518 | |
| Container | $68,353 |
Mig /Tig Welder III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,729. While startup companies pay approximate $59,830.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,830 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $63,276 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $68,298 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $70,729 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mig /Tig 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 Mig /Tig Welder III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $62,200 and $66,959).
| Typical Education for Mig /Tig 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% |
Understanding how a Mig /Tig 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,190 | $5,683 | $1,311 | $33 |
| Average | $63,290 | $5,274 | $1,217 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,090 | $4,758 | $1,098 | $27 |
Next Role
For a Mig /Tig 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.
Salaries for a Mig /Tig Welder III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,285 in 2023 to around $52,493 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mig /Tig Welder III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $53,285 |
| 2024 | $53,085 |
| 2025 | $52,493 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Mig /Tig Welder III roles, with salaries approximately 27% above the market median.
TIG welding is considered the hardest due to its complexity. Welders must master various equipment and manage multiple variables like current, gas flow, and heat. This level of skill is reflected in the salary range for MIG/TIG welders, with a minimum salary of $58,890, a mid-salary of $66,890, and a maximum salary of $77,190, highlighting the expertise required in this 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 earnings typically ranging from a minimum of $58,890 to a mid-level of $66,890, and reaching up to $77,190 for those with expertise in specific areas or working in high-demand regions.
Rig welders are among the highest-paid in the field, with salaries reaching up to $77,190 annually. While the average salary is around $66,890, entry-level positions start at approximately $58,890. These welders typically work long hours in demanding environments, contributing to their higher earnings potential.
The best TIG welders in 2024 include the Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200, Miller Maxstar 161 STL, CK Worldwide MT200-AC/DC, Miller Multimatic 215, and ESAB Miniarc Rogue ES 1801. Salaries for MIG/TIG welders range from $58,890 to $77,190, with a median salary of $66,890, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
While most welders earn between $58,890 and $77,190 annually, reaching a 7-figure salary is highly unlikely. Beginners typically earn around $29,500-$35,000, mid-career welders make $45,000-$60,000, and senior welders can earn over $70,000. Advanced skills and certifications can lead to higher pay, but 7 figures remains rare in this field.
The highest-paid type of welding is often associated with specialized roles such as Rig Welders and Underwater Welders. For example, a Mig/Tig Welder can expect a salary range from $58,890 to $77,190, with a mid-salary of $66,890. These figures highlight the potential for lucrative earnings in the welding profession, especially in high-demand sectors.
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