How much do underwater welders make?

Underwater welders typically earn $50,000 to $120,000+ per year, depending on experience, location, and the type of underwater welding work. Saturation divers who perform welding at extreme depths can earn over $150,000, but the work is physically demanding and carries significant risks.

How much do pipeline welders make?

Pipeline welders are among the highest-paid in the profession, earning $60,000 to $120,000+ per year. Top pipeline welders working on major pipeline construction projects can earn over $150,000 during busy seasons, often working long hours in remote locations.

Is welding a good career?

Welding can be an excellent career for those who enjoy hands-on work. It offers quick entry into a skilled trade, multiple specialization paths, and good earning potential. However, the work can be physically demanding and involves exposure to heat, fumes, and bright light.

How long does it take to become a welder?

You can become an entry-level welder in as little as six months with a certificate program. An associate's degree takes about two years. Becoming proficient in multiple welding processes and earning advanced certifications may take three to five years of combined education and experience.

Do welders make good money?

The median welder salary is about $50,000, but specialized welders earn significantly more. Pipeline welders, underwater welders, and industrial maintenance welders can earn $80,000 to $150,000+. Location, certifications, and overtime also significantly impact earnings.

Welder Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

Trades & ConstructionAbout as fast as average

Welders join metal parts together using various welding techniques including MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored arc welding. They work in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, aerospace, and pipeline industries. Skilled welders are essential to building and maintaining the infrastructure and products that society depends on.

Median Salary

$49,820

Salary Range

$32,690 – $73,230

Hourly Equivalent

$23.95/hr

Growth Rate

Welder Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$35,870

$17.25/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$49,820

$23.95/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$62,275

$29.94/hr

Expert (13+ years)$72,239

$34.73/hr

Welder Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$60,780	$29.22/hr
#2	New York	$59,286	$28.50/hr
#3	Washington	$57,791	$27.78/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$57,293	$27.54/hr
#5	New Jersey	$56,297	$27.07/hr
#6	Connecticut	$55,300	$26.59/hr
#7	Maryland	$54,304	$26.11/hr
#8	Alaska	$53,806	$25.87/hr
#9	Hawaii	$53,307	$25.63/hr
#10	Oregon	$52,311	$25.15/hr

Welder Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$68,752	$33.05/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$65,762	$31.62/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$64,766	$31.14/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$62,275	$29.94/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$60,780	$29.22/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$59,784	$28.74/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$58,788	$28.26/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$55,798	$26.83/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$54,802	$26.35/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$53,806	$25.87/hr

How to Become a Welder

To become a welder, you can start with a high school diploma and then pursue formal welding training through a certificate program (six months to one year) or an associate's degree in welding technology (two years). Programs cover welding processes, metallurgy, blueprint reading, welding symbols, and safety practices.

Hands-on practice is critical in welding education. You will learn multiple welding processes including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/stick), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG), and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). Each process has different applications and skill requirements.

After completing your training, you can obtain certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) that validate your skills and open doors to higher-paying positions. Common certifications include the Certified Welder (CW) and Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Many employers also require welders to pass specific weld tests for their particular applications.

Experienced welders can advance to positions like welding inspector, welding engineer, welding supervisor, or welding instructor. Some welders specialize in high-demand areas like underwater welding, pipeline welding, or aerospace welding, which command significantly higher pay.

Job Outlook for Welders

2% growth — About as fast as average

The job outlook for welders shows about 2% growth from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 47,600 annual openings projected due to replacement needs and modest growth. While automation is affecting some production welding jobs, skilled welders who can work on complex, non-repetitive projects remain in demand.

Infrastructure projects, energy sector development, and manufacturing growth are driving demand for welders. The need for pipeline welders, structural welders, and maintenance welders remains strong. Welders with certifications in specialized processes and materials will have the best job prospects.

Specialization is the key to higher earnings in welding. Underwater welders, pipeline welders, and aerospace welders earn significantly more than general production welders. Welding inspectors and supervisors also earn premium salaries, and starting a welding business can provide excellent income potential.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

High School Diploma + Welding Certificate or Associate's Degree

Key Certifications

AWS Certification
OSHA 10/30
CWI (Certified Welding Inspector)