How much do welders make per hour?

The median hourly wage for welders is $25.84 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level: $19–$22/hr. Experienced with certs: $25–$40/hr. Pipeline with API 1104: $40–$60+/hr.

What is the highest-paying welding job?

Underwater welding pays $75,000–$150,000+. Pipeline welding is most accessible at $80,000–$120,000. Both require additional certifications beyond AWS CW.

Do welders make six figures?

Some do. Pipeline, underwater, and aerospace TIG welders regularly earn six figures. Standard manufacturing welders with median experience earn $45,000–$60,000.

How does welder salary increase with experience?

Entry-level (0–2 yrs): $39K–$47K. Mid-level (3–7 yrs) with AWS certs: $50K–$65K. Senior (8+ yrs) with specialty certs: $65K–$90K+.

Welder Salary in 2026: How Much Do Welders Make?

The median welder salary is $53,750 per year ($25.84/hr) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025).

Median salary

$53,750

BLS OEWS May 2025

Top 10%

$77,530+

BLS OEWS May 2025

Bottom 10%

$39,240

BLS OEWS May 2025

Median hourly

$25.84

BLS OEWS May 2025

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 data.

Welder Salary by State

Top 10 highest-paying states:

State	Median Annual Wage
Alaska	$80,840
Hawaii	$79,000
Connecticut	$64,880
Wyoming	$63,820
Washington	$63,020
Massachusetts	$62,570
New Hampshire	$62,360
Louisiana	$62,250
Maine	$62,220
North Dakota	$62,000

Welder Salary by Specialty

Specialty	Salary Range
Underwater Welder	$75,000–$150,000+
Pipeline Welder (API 1104)	$80,000–$120,000
Aerospace TIG Welder	$60,000–$90,000
Pipe Welder	$55,000–$85,000
Structural Steel Welder	$50,000–$75,000
MIG Welder (Manufacturing)	$40,000–$55,000
Entry-Level Welder	$39,000–$47,000

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