As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welding in the United States is $54,349 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Welding's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Welding'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.
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 Weldings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 11.22% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 3.11% |
| Pneumatics | 1.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Maintenance
|
$58,153 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$57,066 |
5%
|
|
Custodial
|
$56,523 |
4%
|
|
Coaching
|
$56,523 |
4%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$56,523 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$55,979 |
3%
|
For Welding roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Welding positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Welding as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $65,219 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $62,501 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $59,784 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $59,784 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,784 | $29.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Weldings 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 Welding with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $53,222 and $56,836).
Welding Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 80.8% |
| High School | 80.8% |
| Associates | 12.8% |
| Bachelors | 5.1% |
| Masters | 1.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Welding'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, 2026Salaries for a Welding can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,769 in 2023 to around $47,045 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Welding salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,769 |
| 2024 | $47,345 |
| 2025 | $47,045 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Welding roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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