As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welder/Fabricator I in the United States is $45,309 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Welder/Fabricator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Welder/Fabricator 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/Fabricator 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/Fabricator I | 0-1 years | $45,329 |
| Boiler Welder II | 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 Welder/Fabricator 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
|
$49,387 |
9%
|
|
Repairing
|
$49,387 |
9%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$48,028 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$47,574 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$46,668 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$46,668 |
3%
|
Welder/Fabricator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,721. While startup companies pay approximate $42,909.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,909 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $45,381 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,980 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,721 |
For Welder/Fabricator 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/Fabricator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Welder/Fabricator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $58,902 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $56,636 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $56,636 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,371 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $52,105 | $25.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Welder/Fabricator 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/Fabricator I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $43,631 and $46,677).
Welder/Fabricator 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/Fabricator 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 August 01, 2026For a Welder/Fabricator 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.
Salaries for a Welder/Fabricator 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/Fabricator 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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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Welder/Fabricator I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Welders can earn varying salaries based on their skills and experience. While some may make $40 an hour, the average salary for welders/fabricators is around $23.54 per hour, translating to an annual salary between $43,533 and $56,282. Factors such as location and specialization can significantly influence these earnings.
While welding can be a rewarding career, the average salary for a Welder/Fabricator typically ranges from $43,533 to $56,282 annually, with a mid-salary of $48,995. Achieving a salary of $100,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires advanced skills, extensive experience, or specialized positions in high-demand areas.
A welder can boost their income by taking on projects like custom backyard furniture, barbecues, fire pits, metal art, yard decorations, chessboards, gates, ramps, fireplace screens, security enhancements, farmhouse items, and offroad accessories. With a salary range of $43,533 to $56,282, these side projects can significantly supplement earnings.
Skilled welders and fabricators may require special training or an associate's degree, depending on the employer. For instance, those in electrical, electronic, and aircraft manufacturing often need postsecondary education. Apprenticeship programs are also available. Salaries for welders/fabricators range from $43,533 to $56,282, with a median of $48,995.
Welders often travel for work, especially during industrial shutdowns, which can last from a few days to several months. Typically, they travel within a 1000-mile radius of home. Welders working shutdowns may spend about six months on the road, earning between $43,533 and $56,282 annually, with a mid-salary of $48,995. The other six months are usually spent off work.
Welders are highly paid due to the specialized skills and training required for the job. The average salary ranges from $43,533 to $56,282, with a midpoint of $48,995. High demand for skilled welders, especially in specific regions or specialties, further drives up their earning potential.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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