As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welder/Fabricator I in the United States is $45,308 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:
Welder/Fabricator I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $49,845 | $4,154 | $959 | $24 |
| Average | $45,308 | $3,776 | $871 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,570 | $3,464 | $799 | $20 |
A Welder/Fabricator 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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 11.18% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 3.1% |
| Pneumatics | 1.07% |
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 Welder/Fabricator I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Communication | $49,386 | |
| Repairing | $49,386 | |
| Communicates Effectively | $48,026 |
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 $50,634. While startup companies pay approximate $42,831.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,831 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $45,298 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,893 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,634 |
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).
| Typical Education for Welder/Fabricator 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% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $49,845 | $4,154 | $959 | $24 |
| Average | $45,308 | $3,776 | $871 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,570 | $3,464 | $799 | $20 |
Next Role
Advancement
For 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.
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