Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Pipe Welder I Salary in the United States

How much does a Pipe Welder I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pipe Welder I in the United States is $45,318 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,986
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,580 to $49,855
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,177
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Pipe Welder I Salaries

A Pipe Welder I'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.

How Do Pipe Welder I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Pipe Welder Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,178.
  • California: $49,987.
  • Massachusetts: $49,321.

Top Paying Cities for Pipe Welder Is

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: $57,163
  • San Francisco: $56,537
  • Oakland: $55,345

What Skills Can Increase a Pipe Welder I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 11.18% 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 3.1% Job Postings): Developing and implementing maintenance strategies to increase equipment life expectancy and avoid unplanned downtime.
  • Pneumatics (Mentioned in 1.07% 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 11.18%
Preventative Maintenance 3.1%
Pneumatics 1.07%
See More Skills

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 Pipe Welder I's salary.

  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Repairing: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Verbal Communication $49,397
9%
Repairing $49,397
9%
Communicates Effectively $48,037
6%
Get Latest Data

Pipe Welder I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Pipe Welder I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,645. While startup companies pay approximate $42,840.

Pipe Welder I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,840
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,308
Established 501~5000 $48,904
Enterprise 5000+ $50,645

Pipe Welder I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Pipe 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, Pipe Welder positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pipe Welder I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Pipe Welder I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$58,913$28.030%
Aerospace & Defense$56,648$27.025%
Internet$56,648$27.025%
Energy & Utilities$54,382$26.020%
Chemicals$52,116$25.015%

How Education impacts a Pipe Welder I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pipe 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 Pipe Welder I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $43,641 and $46,687).

Pipe Welder I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Pipe Welder I
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%
View as Graph

Pipe Welder I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Pipe 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 September 01, 2026
$41,580
Average $45,318/year
$49,855
$3,465
Average $3,777/month
$4,155
$800
Average $872/week
$959
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,855 $4,155 $959 $24
Average $45,318 $3,777 $872 $22
25th Percentile $41,580 $3,465 $800 $20

Pipe Welder I Salary Growth & Career Path

Pipe Welder I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Pipe Welder I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Boiler Welder II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $56,100 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Pipe Welder I

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

Common company salaries for Pipe Welder I

Here are companies hiring for Pipe Welder I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Pipe Welder I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Pipe Welder I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Pipe Welder I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Pipe Welder I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Pipe Welder I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What state pays pipe welders the most?

The highest-paying state for pipe welders is Alaska. Welders in this state can earn an annual salary ranging from $43,543 to $56,292, with a median salary of approximately $49,005. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled welders in the region.

3. What type of welder makes the most money?

The salary of a pipe welder varies, with a minimum salary of $43,543, a mid-range salary of $49,005, and a maximum salary of $56,292. While pipe welders can earn a competitive income, other specialized welders, such as underwater or aerospace welders, may have higher earning potential depending on their skills and experience.

4. Is pipe welding a good career?

Pipe welding can be a rewarding career, offering competitive salaries. The minimum salary for a pipe welder is approximately $43,543, while the mid-range salary is around $49,005, and experienced welders can earn up to $56,292. With strong demand for skilled welders, it presents good job stability and growth opportunities in various industries.

5. Can pipe welders make 100k a year?

While pipe welders are skilled professionals, their typical salary range is between $43,543 and $56,292 annually. Even with experience and specialization, reaching $100,000 a year is uncommon. However, opportunities for higher earnings may exist in certain industries or locations, but they are not the standard for most pipe welders.

6. Which state pays welders the most?

The state that pays welders the most typically offers salaries that can range from a minimum of $43,543 to a mid-range of $49,005, with top earners making up to $56,292. These figures can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry demand.

7. Do pipe welders have to travel?

As a pipe welder, you should expect to travel extensively, as pipeline construction can occur in various locations, from bustling cities to remote areas. The salary for pipe welders ranges from $43,543 to $56,292, with a mid-salary of $49,005. Opportunities are also available in shop environments, providing flexibility in work settings.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst