Welder salary
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What a welder does
Welders join metal components across construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and pipeline work. Pay varies enormously by process, certification and whether the work involves travel.
Day-to-day duties
- Weld using MIG, TIG, stick or flux-core processes
- Read blueprints and welding symbols
- Prepare and clean materials
- Inspect welds for defects
- Maintain equipment
Skills employers look for
- Precision and steady technique
- Blueprint reading
- Knowledge of metals and their behaviour
- Strict safety discipline
Requirements
- Trade programme or apprenticeship
- AWS certification for many positions
- Process-specific and position-specific certifications
- Physical ability to work in awkward positions
How to get started
- 1 Complete a welding programme
- 2 Certify in the processes your target industry uses
- 3 Start in fabrication or manufacturing
- 4 Add pipe or specialty certifications for the largest pay increases
Job outlook: Demand spans manufacturing, infrastructure and energy. Certified pipe welders and those willing to travel command markedly higher rates.
Common questions about welders
What does a welder do?
Welders join metal components across construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and pipeline work. Pay varies enormously by process, certification and whether the work involves travel. Day to day, that means weld using MIG, TIG, stick or flux-core processes, read blueprints and welding symbols, prepare and clean materials and inspect welds for defects.
How do you become a welder?
The usual route is: (1) complete a welding programme, (2) certify in the processes your target industry uses, (3) start in fabrication or manufacturing, (4) add pipe or specialty certifications for the largest pay increases. Employers typically look for trade programme or apprenticeship, AWS certification for many positions and process-specific and position-specific certifications.
Do you need a certification to work as a welder?
Usually not. Most employers hire welders without a specific licence, though AWS certification for many positions will widen your options and often your pay.
Are welders in demand?
Demand spans manufacturing, infrastructure and energy. Certified pipe welders and those willing to travel command markedly higher rates.
Which welding certification pays the most?
Pipe welding certifications — particularly 6G position work — typically command the highest rates, especially in energy and industrial construction. Underwater and specialty alloy welding pay more again but require substantial additional training.
Where are welders most in demand?
See the metro and rural areas with the highest concentration of this work, ranked from Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
Similar roles
Pay figures are estimates for guidance only, not an offer or guarantee. Advertised ranges come from job postings on LocalWork; government figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, shift and employer.