Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of welders that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of welders:
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Welding Supervisor is the highest-paid type of welder with an average salary of $55,605 and an average hourly rate of $26.73.
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The second highest-paying type of welder is pipefitter/welder, with an average salary of $53,768.
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The average welder salary is $39,696 per year, and the average hourly pay is $19.08.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a welder, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of welders are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of welders:
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Welding Supervisor
Average Salary: $55,605
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Pipefitter/Welder
Average Salary: $53,768
A Pipefitter Welder installs, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs mechanical piping systems. They may also supervise a team of helpers or assistants, and might also be responsible for training them.
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Combo Welder
Average Salary: $46,985
A Combo Welder specializes in operating welding equipment to build and maintain structures or systems made of metal. It is also their responsibility to understand and adhere to schematics and guidelines, prepare materials, ensure measurements, and maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a smooth and safe workflow. The extent of their responsibilities depends on their company of employment or project needs. Some projects may also require them to climb up high places, so it is essential to adhere to safety standards and regulations.
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Pipe Welder
Average Salary: $46,364
According to schematics and analyzing specifications, a pipe welder is responsible for maintaining and repairing pipe systems and components. Pipe welders inspect the quality of the materials, assemble tools for welding preparations, ensure the safety of the welding method and structural units, and strictly adhere to safety operations procedures. They also examine finished welds to identify any defects and perform adjustments as needed. A pipe welder must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to operate machinery and construct a safe piping system.
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Lead Welder
Average Salary: $45,718
A Lead Welder inspects welds to ensure that code and quality control standards are met. They also test and inspect welded surfaces and structures to discover flaws.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various welder that pay the most followed by a more detailed 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 uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for welders.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. 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 $55,605, which is $ 26.73 hourly.
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What is a good salary for a welder?
A good salary for a welder is $39,696 or more. The average welder salary is $39,696, so those making at least $39,696 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average welder salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a welder, the average entry level salary is $27,118, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $39,696 average, as this includes all welders of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Welder jobs pay well?
No, welder jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some welder jobs pay better than others, but the average welder salary of $39,696 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many welder jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of welders earning $57,970 a year on average.
Welders’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a welder. Do your research on the going rate for a welder in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do welders get paid the most?
Welders get paid the most in Maine. In Maine, welders earn an average annual salary of $47,753 and an average hourly wage of $22.96.
Following ME, the states with the highest-paid welders are Alaska, Rhode Island, and North Dakota, with average annual salaries of $49,549, $47,640, and $42,656 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid welder salaries are:
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Woburn, MA – $52,906
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Portland, ME – $48,366
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Richmond, CA – $46,017
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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.
