How much do welders make per hour?

The median hourly wage for welders is $23.96 (BLS OES, May 2023). Entry-level: $17–$20/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): $35K–$45K. Mid-level (3–7 yrs) with AWS certs: $50K–$65K. Senior (8+ yrs) with specialty certs: $65K–$90K+.

Welder Salary in 2025: How Much Do Welders Make?

The median welder salary is $49,920 per year ($23.96/hr) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023).

Median salary

$49,920

BLS OOH 2023

Top 10%

$74,000+

BLS OES 2023

Bottom 10%

$35,000

BLS OES 2023

Median hourly

$23.96

BLS OES 2023

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2023 data.

Welder Salary by State

Top 10 highest-paying states:

State	Annual Mean Wage
Alaska	$71,680
Hawaii	$69,320
Washington	$62,480
North Dakota	$60,230
Wyoming	$58,990
Minnesota	$57,140
Oregon	$56,780
Nevada	$55,340
California	$54,620
Texas	$47,290

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	$35,000–$45,000

Welder Salary in 2025: How Much Do Welders Make?

Welder Salary by State

Welder Salary by Specialty

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