How much does a Welder IV make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welder IV in the United States is $72,137 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,127
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $65,856 to $80,507
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,137

Key Factors That Influence Welder IV Salaries

A Welder IV'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Welder IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Welder IV'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:

  • Welder I (0-1 years): $45,329
  • Welder II (1-3 years): $56,064
  • Welder III (3-5 years): $63,242
  • Welder IV (5-7 years): $72,137
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Welder I0-1 years$45,329
Welder II1-3 years$56,064
Welder III3-5 years$63,242
Welder IV5-7 years$72,137

Top Paying Cities for Welder IV

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: $90,986
  • San Francisco: $89,990
  • Oakland: $88,094

Welder IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Welder IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,753. While startup companies pay approximate $68,315.

Welder IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $68,315
Growth Stage 51~500 $72,252
Established 501~5000 $77,982
Enterprise 5000+ $80,753

Welder IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Welder IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Welder positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Welder IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Welder IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$79,351$38.010%
Business Services$79,351$38.010%
Construction$79,351$38.010%
Energy & Utilities$79,351$38.010%
Healthcare$79,351$38.010%

Welder IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Welder IV'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, 2026
$65,856
Average $72,137/year
$80,507
$5,488
Average $6,011/month
$6,709
$1,266
Average $1,387/week
$1,548
$32
Average $35/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,507 $6,709 $1,548 $39
Average $72,137 $6,011 $1,387 $35
25th Percentile $65,856 $5,488 $1,266 $32

Most common benefits for Welder IV

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

Common company salaries for Welder IV

Here are companies hiring for Welder IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Welder IV

1. Where can a Welder IV earn the most?

A Welder IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Welder IV is $90,986.

2. What is the highest pay for Welder IV?

The highest pay for Welder IV is $88,127.

3. What is the lowest pay for Welder IV?

The lowest pay for Welder IV is $60,137.

4. What are the responsibilities of Welder IV?

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. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Welder IV?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Welder IV roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

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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