Let me start by saying this—yes, welders can make a lot of money. Like with most things in life, it depends on a few key factors. I’ve been around welding long enough to know that this field has layers. It’s not just about grabbing a torch and getting to work.
It’s about skill, experience, certifications, location, and sometimes, a bit of risk. If you’re sitting beside me right now asking, “Do welders really make good money?” let me walk you through it from someone who’s seen the ups, the downs, and everything in between.
Photo by primeweld
This article will dig into how much welders make, what influences their pay, which types of welding jobs are the most profitable, and whether or not it’s a good career path if you’re thinking about getting into it.
Basics of Welding Pay
Welding isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. There’s a wide pay range, and where you fall on that scale depends on several things. Welders in the United States earn somewhere between $35,000 to $100,000 per year. That’s a huge range, I know. But let’s break it down.
Entry-level welders, especially those just starting out or without certifications, often start at around $18 to $22 an hour. That’s roughly $37,000 to $45,000 per year if you’re working full time. But the minute you start gaining experience or earning certifications, those numbers can jump fast.
Experienced welders who take on more advanced jobs or work in high-risk environments can earn $60,000 to $90,000 annually. In some industries, especially oil and gas or underwater welding, wages can reach $100,000 or even more.
What Factors Influence a Welder’s Salary?
Let’s talk about the stuff that really affects how much a welder can earn. Like I said earlier, welding pay isn’t set in stone. It changes based on a few big things:
Skill Level and Certifications
This one’s a biggie. The more skilled you are, the more money you’ll make. And I don’t just mean how steady your hand is—I mean actual certifications.
Certifications from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) can open a lot of doors. For example, if you’re certified in TIG welding or pipe welding, you’re instantly more valuable than someone who only knows the basics.
Specialized certifications like underwater welding, aerospace welding, or nuclear welding can push you into the top-tier pay range. These jobs often require extra training and carry more risk, but the financial rewards can be significant.
Location and Demand
Where you work plays a huge role in how much you earn. Welders in states with high demand and limited supply often earn more.
For example, welders in Alaska, North Dakota, and Texas often make more money than those in smaller or less industrial states. Why? Because these states have booming industries like oil, gas, and construction that are always in need of skilled welders.
Average Welding Salaries by State
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $66,000 – $90,000 |
| Texas | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| North Dakota | $58,000 – $82,000 |
| California | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Florida | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Ohio | $42,000 – $57,000 |
As you can see, geography can change everything.
Industry and Type of Welding
Not all welding jobs are the same. Some are simple fabrication gigs in a shop. Others involve traveling, working on pipelines, or diving underwater to fix structures.
Here’s how different welding types and industries stack up in terms of pay:
| Welding Type | Typical Pay Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Underwater Welding | $80,000 – $200,000 |
| Pipe Welding | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Industrial Shutdown Work | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Structural Welding | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Fabrication Shop Welding | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| Aerospace Welding | $60,000 – $90,000 |
Jobs that are more dangerous, demand more precision, or require relocation usually come with higher pay.
Union vs Non-Union Jobs
Union welders often earn more than non-union welders. That’s because unions negotiate higher wages, better benefits, and more consistent work schedules.
If you’re working in a strong union like in shipyards or large infrastructure projects, your pay and benefits package can be pretty impressive.
Experience and Work Ethic
This one might sound obvious, but it’s worth saying—experience pays. I’ve seen people who started out making barely minimum wage and then worked their way up to six-figure incomes.
It takes dedication. It means showing up on time, getting better with each job, and not being afraid to take on tougher tasks.
High-Paying Welding Opportunities You Should Know About
Here’s where it gets exciting. If you’re serious about making good money in welding, there are a few paths worth exploring:
Underwater Welding
This is one of the most extreme—and best-paying—types of welding. Underwater welders work in dangerous conditions and often need to be certified commercial divers. They work on ships, offshore oil rigs, and underwater pipelines.
Pay can start around $80,000 and go well over $200,000 depending on experience and the job location. It’s tough work, though, and not for everyone.
Pipeline Welding
Pipeline welders travel to where the work is. They often live in temporary housing, work long hours, and face tough outdoor conditions.
The pay reflects the effort—often $60,000 to $120,000 per year. Pipeline welding is especially hot in oil-rich states like Texas and North Dakota.
Shutdown Welding and Travel Welding
These jobs are short-term, high-intensity gigs. When a plant shuts down for maintenance or upgrades, welders are brought in to work long hours in a short period of time. You can make several thousand dollars in just a couple of weeks if you’re in the right place at the right time.
Welding Inspectors and Supervisors
If you’ve got years of experience and a certification from AWS as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), you can move into inspection roles. These jobs typically pay between $70,000 and $110,000 and are less physically demanding than actual welding.
Can Welding Really Be a Six-Figure Career?
Yes, it can. But it’s not automatic. You’ve got to be strategic. If you’re willing to travel, take on difficult jobs, keep up your certifications, and keep learning new skills, six figures is absolutely possible.
I’ve met welders working shutdown jobs who clear $10,000 in a month. I’ve also met underwater welders who make well over $150,000 a year—but they also deal with real danger and time away from home.
Other Perks and Benefits of a Welding Career
Aside from the money, welding can be a rewarding career in other ways too.
- Job Security: Skilled trades are in demand. A good welder will almost always find work.
- No College Degree Required: You can start a welding career without piling up student debt.
- Career Growth: You can move into inspection, teaching, or even start your own welding business.
- Hands-On Work: If you like working with your hands and seeing the results of your work, welding is a great fit.
Challenges and Realities to Consider
I won’t sugarcoat it. Welding is hard work. It can be physically demanding, dirty, and even dangerous. You’ll be working in hot conditions, sometimes in tight spaces or outdoors in bad weather. Safety is always a concern, and protective gear is a must.
Welders also deal with job site relocation, especially in higher-paying gigs. That can mean time away from family. And if you’re in a non-union job, health benefits might not be the best.
It’s not just about money—it’s about finding balance and deciding what kind of lifestyle works for you.
So, Do Welders Make a Lot of Money?
Yes, they absolutely can. It depends on your goals, your grit, and your willingness to go the extra mile. If you’re content with a stable job in a fabrication shop, you’ll make decent money and live a solid life. If you’re chasing the top dollar, be ready for travel, tough conditions, and constant learning.
From what I’ve seen, welders who treat their craft like a business—who invest in themselves, take risks, and aim higher—can earn incomes that rival or beat college-educated professionals.
It’s not a get-rich-quick career, but it’s definitely a “get-paid-well-if-you-hustle” kind of job.
Conclusion
Welding can be a powerful way to earn a living. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about switching careers, there’s real potential here. From basic shop work to elite underwater missions, the pay is out there. But so is the work.
If you’re willing to learn, get certified, and take on challenges, welding can provide not just a good income—but a solid, respected career.
I’ve seen it happen, and I’ve lived it. If you’re thinking about it, take the first step. You might just be surprised how far welding can take you.
FAQs
How much do entry-level welders make?
Entry-level welders typically earn between $18 to $22 per hour, which adds up to around $37,000 to $45,000 per year.
What’s the highest-paying welding job?
Underwater welding is often the highest paying, with experienced professionals earning up to $200,000 annually.
Do welders need a college degree to make good money?
No, most welders attend trade school or complete an apprenticeship. You can earn great money without a four-year degree.
Is welding a good long-term career?
Yes. With continued learning and certifications, welders can enjoy long, financially rewarding careers.
Can welders work internationally?
Absolutely. Many skilled welders find work on international oil rigs, in shipyards, and even for large construction projects abroad.
What certifications help welders earn more?
AWS certifications, especially in pipe welding, TIG welding, and inspection (CWI), can significantly boost income.
Are union welding jobs better than non-union?
Union jobs often offer better pay, benefits, and job security. But non-union roles can still be very lucrative depending on the industry.
