How Much Does a Welder make?

Welder made a median salary around $54,338 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $62,052 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $48,434. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Welder jobs in South Carolina

MACHINIST (WELDER) with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force - Charleston AFB, SC

Pipe Welder

RPG - Rock Hill, SC

Welder - Nationwide

TEI Construction Services, Inc. - Duncan, SC

Welder - Piedmont, SC

Turner Industries - Piedmont, SC

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Best-Paying Cities for Welder

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Welder profession are Bowling Green , Clover , Edgemoor , Fort Mill , Rock Hill .
Bowling Green, SC $55,777
Clover, SC $55,777
Edgemoor, SC $55,719
Fort Mill, SC $55,719
Rock Hill, SC $55,719

Best-Paying States for Welder

The states and districts that pay Welder the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $64,066) , California (around $63,490) , New Jersey (around $63,087) , Alaska (around $62,684) , and Massachusetts (around $62,627) .
District of Columbia $64,066
California $63,490
New Jersey $63,087
Alaska $62,684
Massachusetts $62,627

What is the Career Path of Welder?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Welder, the upper level is Welder III , and then progresses to Welder IV
Besides, Welder can also turn to other related jobs, including Journeyman Welder , Ship Welder , Aluminum Welder and Production Welder .

Frequently Asked Questions for Welder

Q: What is the salary range of Welder in South Carolina?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Welder in South Carolina earned an average annual salary of $48,434 , while the highest-paid made $62,052.
Q: What is the salary for a Welder in California?
A: Welder employed in California earned an average salary of $63,490 in 2025.

Average Welder Pay vs. Other Jobs

Welder earned an average salary of $54,338 in 2025. Other jobs related to Welder earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Journeyman Welder made $53,793 , Ship Welder made $55,541 , Aluminum Welder and Production Welder made $51,979 and $54,134 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Welder

Journeyman Welder - Average Salary $53,793
The Journeyman Welder interprets blueprints, specifications, diagrams or schematics to determine appropriate welding process. Joins, fabricates, and repairs metal and other weldable material by applying appropriate welding techniques. Being a Journeyman Welder is familiar with and complies with all safety requirements and protocols for working in a hazardous environment. Inspects completed welds to determine structural soundness. In addition, Journeyman Welder 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. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a Journeyman Welder has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Working as a Journeyman Welder typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Ship Welder - Average Salary $55,541
There is currently no job description for Ship Welder, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Ship Welder.
Aluminum Welder - Average Salary $51,979
A welder or lit operator is a tradesperson who specializes in fusing materials together. The term welder refers to the operator, the machine is referred to as the welding power supply. The materials to be joined can be metals (such as steel, aluminum, brass, stainless steel etc.) or varieties of plastic or polymer. Welders typically have to have good dexterity and attention to detail, as well as technical knowledge about the materials being joined and best practices in the field.
Production Welder - Average Salary $54,134
A welder or lit operator is a tradesperson who specializes in fusing materials together. The term welder refers to the operator, the machine is referred to as the welding power supply. The materials to be joined can be metals (such as steel, aluminum, brass, stainless steel etc.) or varieties of plastic or polymer. Welders typically have to have good dexterity and attention to detail, as well as technical knowledge about the materials being joined and best practices in the field.
Nuclear Welder - Average Salary $51,351
There is currently no job description for Nuclear Welder, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Nuclear Welder.