As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Welding Inspector in the United States is $56,742 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Welding Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Welding Inspector'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 Welding Inspector'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 Welding Inspector | $54,613 |
| Intermediate Level Welding Inspector | $54,771 |
| Senior Level Welding Inspector | $56,349 |
| Specialist Level Welding Inspector | $58,313 |
| Expert Level Welding Inspector | $59,098 |
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 Welding Inspectors. 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
|
$60,714 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$59,579 |
5%
|
|
Custodial
|
$59,011 |
4%
|
|
Coaching
|
$59,011 |
4%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$59,011 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$58,444 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Welding Inspectors 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 Inspector with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $53,222 and $56,836).
Welding Inspector 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 Inspector'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 Welding Inspector can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,527 in 2023 to around $47,791 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Welding Inspector salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,527 |
| 2024 | $48,096 |
| 2025 | $47,791 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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