Welders' earnings vary widely depending on experience, location, specialization, and employment status. Here is an overview based on recent data:
United States
- The median annual wage for welders is around $44,000 to $49,000, with a median hourly wage of about $23.50
- The mean annual salary is approximately $52,640, or $25.31 per hour
- Entry-level welders may earn closer to $36,830 annually, while the top 10% can make over $72,970 per year
- Experienced welders with 20-30 years can earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually
- Specialized welders such as MIG welders earn around $18 per hour on average, with a range from $12.74 to over $25.50, and TIG welders average $16.48 per hour, with some making up to $40 per hour
- Welders in higher-paying states like Connecticut can make around $57,300 per year on average, with top earners near $80,000
United Kingdom
- Apprentice welders start at about £11,063 per year (£6.30/hour), newly qualified welders earn around £20,194 annually (£11.50/hour), and employed welders average £34,320 per year (£16.50/hour)
- Self-employed welders can earn significantly more, with sole traders making around £59,001 per year (£40/hour) and limited company owners earning up to £76,702 annually (£52/hour)
- Underwater welders and highly specialized welders can earn from £34,320 to £59,001 annually or £40 to £52 per hour due to the skill and risk involved
Other Locations
- In New Zealand, welders typically earn between NZD 60,000 to 65,000 per year, with related trades like fitters and boilermakers earning more
Summary
Region| Median Annual Salary| Hourly Wage (Median)| Top Earners Range| Notes
---|---|---|---|---
USA| $44,000 - $49,000| ~$23.50| Up to $72,970+| Specialized welders earn more
UK| £20,194 - £34,320| £11.50 - £16.50| Up to £76,702 (business owners)| Self-
employed earn more
New Zealand| NZD 60,000 - 65,000| N/A| N/A| Related trades can earn more
Welding can be a well-paying career, especially with experience, specialization, or self-employment. High-risk specializations such as underwater welding tend to command higher wages. This data reflects recent trends as of 2024-2025
