As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pipe Fitter and Welder in the United States is $61,124 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Pipe Fitter and Welder's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Pipe Fitter and Welder'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 Pipe Fitter and Welder'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Pipe Fitter and Welder | $59,788 |
| Intermediate Level Pipe Fitter and Welder | $60,680 |
| Senior Level Pipe Fitter and Welder | $62,636 |
| Specialist Level Pipe Fitter and Welder | $62,902 |
| Expert Level Pipe Fitter and Welder | $63,347 |
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 Pipe Fitter and Welders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 3.51% |
| Pneumatics | 5.46% |
| Product Quality | 2.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Mechanical Systems
|
$64,792 |
6%
|
|
Project Management
|
$64,180 |
5%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$63,569 |
4%
|
|
Repairing
|
$63,569 |
4%
|
|
Housekeeping
|
$63,569 |
4%
|
|
Plumbing
|
$63,569 |
4%
|
For Pipe Fitter and Welder roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Pipe Fitter and Welder positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pipe Fitter and Welder as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $85,574 | $41.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $79,461 | $38.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $73,349 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $70,293 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $67,237 | $32.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pipe Fitter and Welders enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Pipe Fitter and Welder with a No Diploma is between $47,328 and $52,989).
Pipe Fitter and Welder Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.3% |
| High School | 62.5% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 12.5% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Pipe Fitter and Welder'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 Pipe Fitter and Welder can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $47,178 in 2023 to around $47,212 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Pipe Fitter and Welder salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,178 |
| 2024 | $47,391 |
| 2025 | $47,212 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Pipe Fitter and Welder roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.)
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