As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Weld Operator in the United States is $55,230 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Weld Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Weld Operator'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 Weld Operator'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 Weld Operator | $53,158 |
| Intermediate Level Weld Operator | $53,311 |
| Senior Level Weld Operator | $54,847 |
| Specialist Level Weld Operator | $56,759 |
| Expert Level Weld Operator | $57,523 |
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 Weld Operators. 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
|
$59,096 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$57,991 |
5%
|
|
Custodial
|
$57,439 |
4%
|
|
Coaching
|
$57,439 |
4%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$57,439 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$56,887 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Weld Operators 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 Weld Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $53,222 and $56,836).
Weld Operator 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 Weld Operator'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Weld Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,234 in 2023 to around $46,517 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Weld Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,234 |
| 2024 | $46,814 |
| 2025 | $46,517 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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