Welders in the US earn a median of $53,750 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $46,790 and $63,010, and the top 10% earn more than $77,530 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $54,000 to $63,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do welders make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $39,240 |
| 25th | $46,790 |
| Median | $53,750 |
| 75th | $63,010 |
| 90th | $77,530 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, national, about 416,210 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where welders earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,840 | $98,500 |
| Hawaii | $79,000 | $90,830 |
| Connecticut | $64,880 | $81,590 |
| Wyoming | $63,820 | $78,890 |
| Washington | $63,020 | $73,650 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a welder?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $47,000–$54,000 | $57,000 |
| 3–5 years | $54,000–$63,000 | $66,000 |
| 6–10 years | $57,000–$68,000 | $71,000 |
| 10+ years | $63,000–$78,000 | $82,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives welder pay?
Welders join metal in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and pipelines. Pay depends on certifications and processes (TIG, MIG, stick), the industry, travel and overtime — pipeline and specialty welding often pay very differently from shop work.
- Certifications and processes, for example AWS certifications or pipe welding.
- Industry: manufacturing, structural, pipeline, shipbuilding.
- Travel, per diem and overtime.
- Union versus non-union shops.
Your leverage as a welder
- Certifications for the processes and positions the job needs.
- Pipe or specialty alloy experience.
- Low rejection rates on inspected welds.
- Willingness to travel or work shutdowns.
- Fabrication or blueprint-reading skills.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Welder objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “Our shop rate is the same for everyone.” | “Is there a higher rate for certified pipe welders? I hold [certification].” |
| “Overtime is where the money is.” | “How much is guaranteed? I'd like the base to reflect my certifications.” |
| “We'll test you before setting the rate.” | “Sure — and if I pass the [process] test, what's the rate?” |
| “Per diem is fixed.” | “Then could travel days be paid?” |
Sample counter offer for a welder
Thanks for the offer. With my [certifications] and [number] years in [industry], I'm asking for [hourly rate], with per diem for travel jobs. The national median for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers is $53,750 a year.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a welder
New certifications and specialty processes are the usual levers. Ask what the next step on the shop's scale requires and test for it.