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Welder/Fabricator III Salary in the United States

How much does a Welder/Fabricator III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welder/Fabricator III in the United States is $63,270 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Welder/Fabricator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,631
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,070 to $68,170
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,425

Key Factors That Influence Welder/Fabricator III Salaries

A Welder/Fabricator 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.

Top Paying Cities for Welder/Fabricator IIIs

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: $79,770
  • San Francisco: $78,970
  • Oakland: $77,270

What Skills Can Increase a Welder/Fabricator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 2.19% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Product Quality (Mentioned in 1.13% Job Postings): Product quality refers to how well a product satisfies customer needs, serves its purpose and meets industry standards. When evaluating product quality, businesses consider several key factors, including whether a product solves a problem, works efficiently or suits customers' purposes.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 0.83% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 2.19%
Product Quality 1.13%
Work Ethic 0.83%

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 Welder/Fabricator III's salary.

  • Lean: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Container: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Lean $74,026
17%
Preventive Maintenance $71,495
13%
Container $68,332
8%

Welder/Fabricator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Welder/Fabricator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,707. While startup companies pay approximate $59,811.

Welder/Fabricator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $59,811
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,256
Established 501~5000 $68,277
Enterprise 5000+ $70,707

Welder/Fabricator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Welder/Fabricator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 27% above the average. In contrast, Welder/Fabricator positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Welder/Fabricator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Welder/Fabricator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$80,353$39.027%
Biotechnology$77,189$37.022%
Software & Networking$75,291$36.019%
Financial Services$74,026$36.017%
Internet$72,760$35.015%

How Education impacts a Welder/Fabricator III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Welder/Fabricator 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 Welder/Fabricator III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $62,180 and $66,939).

Welder/Fabricator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Welder/Fabricator 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%

Welder/Fabricator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Welder/Fabricator 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$57,070
Average $63,270/year
$68,170
$4,756
Average $5,273/month
$5,681
$1,098
Average $1,217/week
$1,311
$27
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,170 $5,681 $1,311 $33
Average $63,270 $5,273 $1,217 $30
25th Percentile $57,070 $4,756 $1,098 $27

Welder/Fabricator III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Welder/Fabricator 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.

Most common benefits for Welder/Fabricator III

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

Common company salaries for Welder/Fabricator III

Here are companies hiring for Welder/Fabricator III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Welder/Fabricator III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Welder/Fabricator III?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Welder/Fabricator III roles, with salaries approximately 27% above the market median.

2. Is welding a high income skill?

Welding is indeed a high-income skill. Entry-level welders typically earn around $58,870 annually, with the potential to increase their salary to about $66,870 as they gain experience. Skilled welders can earn up to $77,170, making it a lucrative career choice for those willing to invest in their skills and training.

3. What is the highest paid welder in the US?

Rig welders are among the highest-paid welders in the US, with salaries reaching up to $77,170 per year. They typically work long hours in challenging conditions, and due to the high stakes involved, only the most skilled welders are considered for these prestigious roles. The average salary for welders ranges from $58,870 to $66,870, depending on experience and location.

4. Why are welders so highly paid?

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 $58,870 to $77,170. Those who specialize or work in high-demand regions can command even higher wages, reflecting the value of their expertise in the industry.

5. Can a welder make 6 figures?

While skilled welders are in demand, the average salary for a welder/fabricator ranges from $58,870 to $77,170, with a mid-salary of $66,870. This is below the six-figure mark. However, with experience and specialization, some welders can potentially earn higher salaries, but reaching $100,000 is not typical for most in the field.

6. What welding jobs pay 100k a year?

Welding jobs typically pay between $58,870 and $77,170 annually for positions like Welder/Fabricator. While some specialized roles or supervisory positions may approach or exceed $100,000, most welders earn within this range. Consider roles such as Welding Supervisor or Rig Welder for higher earning potential.

7. What is the highest paying job?

The highest paying job can vary, but a Welder/Fabricator offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $58,870, a mid-range of $66,870, and a maximum of $77,170. This profession provides a solid income, making it a viable option for those seeking rewarding career opportunities in skilled trades.

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.

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