As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welder III in the United States is $63,199 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Welder III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Welder 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Welder I | 0-1 years | $45,333 |
| Welder II | 1-3 years | $56,041 |
| Welder III | 3-5 years | $63,199 |
| Welder IV | 5-7 years | $72,100 |
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 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
|
$73,943 |
17%
|
|
Preventive Maintenance
|
$71,415 |
13%
|
|
Container
|
$68,255 |
8%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$66,991 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$66,359 |
5%
|
|
Accountability
|
$65,727 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Welder 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $62,425 and $67,129).
Welder 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 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 April 01, 2026For a Welder III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Welder IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,100 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a Welder 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 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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A Welder III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Welder III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Welder III is $79,713.
The highest pay for Welder III is $72,572.
The lowest pay for Welder III is $51,310.
Joins, fabricates, and repairs metal and other weldable material by applying appropriate welding techniques. Interprets blueprints, specifications, diagrams or schematics to determine appropriate welding process. Inspects completed welds to determine structural soundness. Familiar with and complies with all safety requirements and protocols for working in a hazardous environment. May prepare the materials and set up for a welding device or robot. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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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