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Welder-machine operator salary
Average welder-machine operator salary
$37,171
Average Welder-Machine Operator Salary
The average salary for a Welder-Machine Operator is approximately $37,171 per year, translating to $18 per hour. This figure reflects the salaries across various states and industries, making it crucial for job seekers to understand the factors influencing compensation.
How Much Does a Welder-Machine Operator Make?
Compensation for Welder-Machine Operators can fluctuate based on experience, geographic location, and the specific industry. For instance, those working in manufacturing or construction may see different pay scales than those in smaller operations. Entry-level positions might start lower, while experienced professionals can command higher salaries.
Where Can a Welder-Machine Operator Earn More?
Welder-Machine Operators in states like California and Texas often earn above the national average. Additionally, cities such as San Francisco and Houston offer competitive salaries, reflecting the demand for skilled labor in these areas. Understanding regional salary trends can provide a significant advantage in negotiations.
Highest Paying Industries for Welder-Machine Operators
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Aerospace
These industries not only provide higher salaries but also opportunities for career growth and advancement, making them ideal for those interested in this field.
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Where can a Welder-Machine Operator earn more?
Average welder-machine operator salary by state
The average welder-machine operator salary in Nevada, California, and Connecticut are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average welder-machine operator salary states are Michigan, Colorado, and Illinois.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for welder-machine operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $46,688 | $22.45 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $45,858 | $22.05 |
| 3 | New Hampshire | $44,854 | $21.56 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $47,159 | $22.67 |
| 5 | Ohio | $42,027 | $20.21 |
| 6 | Nevada | $47,957 | $23.06 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | $39,798 | $19.13 |
| 8 | South Dakota | $40,905 | $19.67 |
| 9 | Vermont | $43,498 | $20.91 |
| 10 | Delaware | $45,799 | $22.02 |
| 11 | Alaska | $41,541 | $19.97 |
| 12 | California | $47,690 | $22.93 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $40,573 | $19.51 |
| 14 | Utah | $40,560 | $19.50 |
| 15 | Hawaii | $42,484 | $20.43 |
| 16 | District of Columbia | $43,767 | $21.04 |
| 17 | Arizona | $41,424 | $19.92 |
| 18 | Louisiana | $40,614 | $19.53 |
| 19 | Maine | $39,847 | $19.16 |
| 20 | Indiana | $37,779 | $18.16 |
| 21 | North Dakota | $39,318 | $18.90 |
| 22 | Nebraska | $38,681 | $18.60 |
| 23 | New Jersey | $39,197 | $18.84 |
| 24 | Mississippi | $37,963 | $18.25 |
| 25 | South Carolina | $39,370 | $18.93 |
| 26 | Oregon | $39,961 | $19.21 |
| 27 | Montana | $40,915 | $19.67 |
| 28 | Maryland | $44,295 | $21.30 |
| 29 | North Carolina | $36,842 | $17.71 |
| 30 | Washington | $39,830 | $19.15 |
| 31 | Minnesota | $35,971 | $17.29 |
| 32 | Idaho | $39,460 | $18.97 |
| 33 | Tennessee | $34,670 | $16.67 |
| 34 | Iowa | $33,902 | $16.30 |
| 35 | Virginia | $38,914 | $18.71 |
| 36 | Wyoming | $37,776 | $18.16 |
| 37 | New York | $39,245 | $18.87 |
| 38 | Georgia | $34,602 | $16.64 |
| 39 | Kansas | $33,401 | $16.06 |
| 40 | Oklahoma | $35,042 | $16.85 |
| 41 | Michigan | $32,884 | $15.81 |
| 42 | Alabama | $33,959 | $16.33 |
| 43 | Florida | $35,242 | $16.94 |
| 44 | Texas | $34,872 | $16.77 |
| 45 | Kentucky | $31,916 | $15.34 |
| 46 | Illinois | $32,411 | $15.58 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $32,130 | $15.45 |
| 48 | New Mexico | $34,578 | $16.62 |
| 49 | West Virginia | $33,128 | $15.93 |
| 50 | Missouri | $31,954 | $15.36 |
| 51 | Colorado | $32,576 | $15.66 |
Highest paying cities for welder-machine operators
The highest-paying cities for welder-machine operators are Fontana, CA, Barberton, OH, and Chandler, AZ.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fontana, CA | $46,654 | $22.43 |
| 2 | Barberton, OH | $42,857 | $20.60 |
| 3 | Chandler, AZ | $41,348 | $19.88 |
| 4 | Philadelphia, PA | $41,134 | $19.78 |
| 5 | Milwaukee, WI | $39,815 | $19.14 |
| 6 | Tualatin, OR | $39,714 | $19.09 |
| 7 | Newark, NJ | $39,275 | $18.88 |
| 8 | Jackson, MS | $38,053 | $18.29 |
| 9 | Elmira, NY | $37,936 | $18.24 |
| 10 | Indianapolis, IN | $37,628 | $18.09 |
| 11 | Asheville, NC | $36,442 | $17.52 |
| 12 | Saint Cloud, MN | $35,983 | $17.30 |
| 13 | Houston, TX | $34,829 | $16.74 |
| 14 | Jackson, TN | $34,501 | $16.59 |
| 15 | Cedar Falls, IA | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| 16 | Olathe, KS | $33,410 | $16.06 |
| 17 | Clinton, MI | $33,017 | $15.87 |
| 18 | Bolingbrook, IL | $32,430 | $15.59 |
| 19 | Saint Joseph, MO | $32,175 | $15.47 |
Welder-machine operator salary details
A welder-machine operator's salary ranges from $27,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $49,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a welder-machine operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $49,000 | $4,083 | $24 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,000 | $3,583 | $21 |
| Average | $37,171 | $3,098 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,000 | $2,583 | $15 |
| 10th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
Highest paying welder-machine operator jobs
The highest paying types of welder-machine operators are tig welder, grinder operator, and cell operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIG Welder | $38,192 | $3,183 | $18.36 | 7,053 |
| MIG Welder | $35,476 | $2,956 | $17.06 | 7,051 |
| Press Operator | $34,568 | $2,881 | $16.62 | 55,215 |
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | $32,452 | $2,704 | $15.60 | 120,073 |
| Saw Operator | $32,319 | $2,693 | $15.54 | 58,465 |
| Laser Operator | $34,813 | $2,901 | $16.74 | 56,479 |
Top companies hiring welder-machine operators now:
Which companies pay welder-machine operators the most?
Welder-machine operator salaries at BWX Technologies and Ichor Systems are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average welder-machine operator salary at companies like NOV and BorgWarner are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BWX Technologies | $63,623 | $30.59 |
| 2 | Ichor Systems | $53,091 | $25.52 |
| 3 | NOV | $51,804 | $24.91 |
| 4 | BorgWarner | $44,541 | $21.41 |
| 5 | Valmont Industries | $43,598 | $20.96 |
| 6 | Laclede Chain | $43,355 | $20.84 |
| 7 | Eaton | $43,031 | $20.69 |
| 8 | Atkore International | $42,286 | $20.33 |
| 9 | Stanley Black & Decker | $39,614 | $19.05 |
| 10 | IMMI | $39,383 | $18.93 |
| 11 | Wood-Mizer/Wood Products | $39,277 | $18.88 |
| 12 | Nuclear Fuel Services | $38,896 | $18.70 |
| 13 | Allentown | $37,744 | $18.15 |
| 14 | Randstad North America, Inc. | $36,612 | $17.60 |
| 15 | Core & Main | $36,129 | $17.37 |
| 16 | Basden Steel | $35,867 | $17.24 |
| 17 | Aerotek | $35,837 | $17.23 |
| 18 | Kelly Services | $35,739 | $17.18 |
| 19 | O'Neal Industries Inc | $35,583 | $17.11 |
| 20 | Staffmark | $35,574 | $17.10 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Welder-Machine Operator salary by industry
The average welder-machine operator salary varies across industries:
- The average welder-machine operator salary in the technology industry is $54,740, the highest of any industry.
- The average welder-machine operator salary in the finance industry is $47,346.
- Welder-machine operators in the automotive industry earn an average salary of $42,068, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for welder-machine operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technology | $54,740 | $26.32 |
| 2 | Retail | $47,346 | $22.76 |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $42,357 | $20.36 |
| 4 | Automotive | $42,068 | $20.23 |
High paying welder-machine operator jobs
Welder-machine operator salary trends
The average welder-machine operator salary has risen by $4,376 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average welder-machine operator earned $32,795 annually, but today, they earn $37,171 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for welder-machine operators over the last decade.
Compare welder-machine operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average welder-machine operator salary over time
Compare welder-machine operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Welder-machine operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,200 | $17.87 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $36,100 | $17.37 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $35,500 | $17.08 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $35,100 | $16.86 | +0.6% |
| 2021 | $34,900 | $16.77 | +2.2% |
Recently added welder-machine operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rfc LLC-Dba Roll Forming Corporation | Machine Operator/Laser Welding-2Nd Shift | Shelbyville, KY | 06/21/2025 | $60,000 |
| Advance Services | Form and Weld Operator | Machine Operator | Maryville, MO | 06/04/2025 | $35,479 |
| Jeppesen | Automatic Fusion Welding Machine Operator | Algona, WA | 05/27/2025 | $54,262 |
| Cornerstone Building Brands | Weld Machine Operator | Mount Pleasant, IA | 05/25/2025 | $35,479 |
| Automation Personnel Services | Forge Welder Machine Operator | Channelview, TX | 05/23/2025 | $48,001 |
| Boeing | Automatic Fusion Welding Machine Operator | Auburn, WA | 05/22/2025 | $54,262 |
| North American Stamping Group | Weld Machine Operator, 2Nd Shift ! | Paulding, OH | 05/22/2025 | $41,323 |
| Boeing | Automatic Fusion Welding Machine Operator | Algona, IA | 05/17/2025 | $54,262 |
| Kelly Services | Machine Operator-Hand Welding | Wadsworth, OH | 05/15/2025 | $33,392 |
| Aerotek | Welder Machine Operator | Saint Cloud, MN | 05/14/2025 | $48,001 |
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