Highest-Paying Welder Jobs in 2026
Research Summary: Our team at Zippia has utilized a blend of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings to compile the latest average salary estimates for welding positions across the United States. Based on this data, we’ve identified the highest-paying welding jobs in 2026.
Below is a summary of our findings regarding the highest-paid types of welders:
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Welding Supervisor is the highest-paid type of welder with an average salary of $63,534 and an hourly wage of $30.56.
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The second highest-paying type of welder is Pipefitter/Welder, with an average salary of $61,332.
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The average welder salary is now $45,312 per year, translating to an average hourly rate of $21.78.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, particularly in the evolving landscape of the labor market. While salary shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision, it remains an important consideration. Understanding the highest-paid types of welders can help you strategically navigate your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for various types of welders as of 2026:
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Welding Supervisor
Average Salary: $63,534
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Pipefitter/Welder
Average Salary: $61,332
A Pipefitter Welder installs, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs mechanical piping systems. They often oversee a team of helpers and may be responsible for their training.
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Combo Welder
Average Salary: $55,690
A Combo Welder specializes in operating welding equipment for metal structures or systems. They must understand schematics, prepare materials, ensure accurate measurements, and maintain communication with co-workers to ensure a safe workflow. Responsibilities may vary based on project needs, including working at heights while adhering to safety standards.
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Pipe Welder
Average Salary: $54,420
A Pipe Welder maintains and repairs piping systems, ensuring quality through inspections and following safety procedures. They must be knowledgeable about the mechanical industry to effectively operate machinery and ensure safe construction.
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Lead Welder
Average Salary: $53,295
A Lead Welder ensures welds meet code and quality control standards, testing structures for flaws and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Below is a comprehensive table displaying the highest-paying welding jobs and their average salaries, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Welders
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welding Supervisor | |
| 2 | Pipefitter/Welder | |
| 3 | Combo Welder | |
| 4 | Pipe Welder | |
| 5 | Lead Welder | |
| 6 | Ship Fitter | |
| 7 | Structural Welder | |
| 8 | Maintenance Welder | |
| 9 | Welder Fitter | |
| 10 | TIG Welder | |
| 11 | Metal Fabricator | |
| 12 | Millwright/Welder | |
| 13 | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| 14 | MIG Welder | |
| 15 | Fabricator | |
| 16 | Welder-Assembler | |
| 17 | Grinder | |
| 18 | Saw Operator | |
| 19 | Welder Operator | |
| 20 | Welder Helper |
Methodology
Zippia gathers information from reputable public sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create accurate salary estimates.
Our data science team also examines job postings and company resources for the most current salary information for welders.
After collecting the data, they calculate a weighted average salary for each job title. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Welder Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid welder job?
The highest-paid welder job is a Welding Supervisor. Welding Supervisors earn an average salary of $63,534, which is $30.56 hourly.
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What is a good salary for a welder?
A good salary for a welder is $45,312 or more. The average welder salary is $45,312, so those earning at least this amount are receiving above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind that average salaries can vary by location, as companies adjust their pay scales based on local living costs. Research the average salary in your area for your level of expertise to gain a clearer perspective on your compensation.
If you are just starting your career as a welder, the average entry-level salary is approximately $32,173, so do not judge your compensation solely on the average of $45,312, which includes welders of all experience levels.
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Do welder jobs pay well?
Welder jobs can pay well, but it depends on the position. While the average welder salary of $45,312 is below the average national salary of around $50,000 per year, many welder positions offer high earning potential, with the top 10% earning an average of $66,000 annually.
Welders’ salaries will fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it is essential to research the going rate in your area and your specific skill set, and to negotiate your salary accordingly.
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Where do welders get paid the most?
Welders tend to earn the most in Maine. In Maine, welders earn an average annual salary of $50,912 and an average hourly wage of $24.47.
Following Maine, the states with the highest-paid welders include Alaska, Rhode Island, and North Dakota, with average annual salaries of $53,000, $51,000, and $47,000, respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid welder salaries are:
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Woburn, MA – $59,432
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Portland, ME – $54,000
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Richmond, CA – $52,000
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
