As of August 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:
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A Welder/Fabricator III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Welder I | 0-1 years | $45,329 |
| Boiler Welder II | 1-3 years | $56,064 |
| Welder/Fabricator 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 2.19% |
| Product Quality | 1.13% |
| Work Ethic | 0.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Lean
|
$74,026 |
17%
|
|
Preventive Maintenance
|
$71,495 |
13%
|
|
Container
|
$68,332 |
8%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$67,066 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$66,434 |
5%
|
|
Accountability
|
$65,801 |
4%
|
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 $70,827. While startup companies pay approximate $59,918.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,918 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $63,370 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $68,396 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $70,827 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $80,353 | $39.0 | 27% |
| Biotechnology | $77,189 | $37.0 | 22% |
| Software & Networking | $75,291 | $36.0 | 19% |
| Financial Services | $74,026 | $36.0 | 17% |
| Internet | $72,760 | $35.0 | 15% |
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
| 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 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 August 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for a Welder/Fabricator 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 Welder/Fabricator 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 Welder/Fabricator III roles, with salaries approximately 27% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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