The average welder salary USA workers earn in 2026 is around $51,000 a year — about $24.50 an hour — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that median hides a huge range: entry-level welders start near $38,000, while specialists in pipe, rig and underwater welding clear $75,000 and well beyond. In welding, what you earn comes down to your tickets, your specialism and the state you work in.
Welder salary USA by type and specialism
This is where welding gets interesting. A basic MIG welder sits near the bottom, while a pipe, rig or underwater welder earns multiples of that. Each ticket and certification you add lifts your pay band. The table below breaks down the typical welder salary USA figures by type.
| Welder type | Typical annual salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level / MIG welder | $38,000 – $45,000 | Most common starting point |
| General welder (median) | $51,000 | BLS national median |
| TIG welder | $45,000 – $58,000 | Precision, higher skill |
| Structural / certified (AWS) | $50,000 – $65,000 | Construction & manufacturing |
| Pipe welder | $55,000 – $72,000 | Energy & construction |
| Rig / offshore welder | $70,000 – $100,000+ | Oil, gas & offshore |
| Underwater welder | $60,000 – $100,000+ | Commercial diving, highest risk |
The official BLS median ($51,000) and percentiles are national figures; the by-type ranges reflect typical industry pay around that median. The takeaway is the same either way: specialise, get certified, and your earnings climb fast.
A few of these specialisms deserve a closer look, because they’re where the real money sits:
- Pipe welders work on pipelines and pressure systems in oil, gas and construction. The precision and certification required push pay well above general welding, and demand follows energy projects across the country.
- Rig and offshore welders trade comfort for cash — long rotations on oil platforms and offshore wind, where day rates and remote-location premiums stack up fast.
- Underwater (commercial diver) welders sit at the very top. Combining welding with commercial diving, they handle ship hulls, pipelines and offshore structures, and the danger pays: six figures is achievable for experienced divers.
- Aerospace and nuclear welders need the tightest tolerances and strictest certifications of all, and the specialist nature keeps their pay among the highest in the trade.
Welder salary USA by state: where the money is
Location changes everything. The lowest-paid 10% of US welders earn under $38,130, while the top 10% clear $75,850. The biggest paydays are in states with strong oil, gas and shipbuilding industries — Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. consistently top the list, with high-demand industrial states like Texas, Louisiana and the Pacific Northwest also paying above the national average. Cost of living offsets some of that, but the demand premium is real.
How to earn more as a welder in the USA
The fastest way to raise your pay is to specialise and certify. Progressing from MIG to TIG welding, then earning AWS certifications and pipe or structural tickets, lifts your band at each step. The biggest jumps come from changing environment: moving into oil and gas, offshore rigs or commercial diving, where demand and remote locations push rates far above factory pay. Overtime is common and can add thousands a year, and experienced welders who run their own rigs commonly clear six figures.
Union vs non-union welders in the USA
One factor that quietly makes a big difference to your welder salary USA is whether you work union or non-union. Union welders — typically through bodies like the UA (United Association) or Boilermakers — generally earn higher hourly rates, with structured pay scales, benefits, pensions and overtime built in. Non-union welders can still earn well, especially in high-demand states, but pay is more variable and benefits depend entirely on the employer. For welders chasing the top of the scale, a union pipe or rig ticket is often the fastest route to six-figure earnings.
Demand and job outlook for welders
Employment of welders is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, with around 45,600 openings every year over the decade — most driven by the need to replace retiring workers. The nation’s aging infrastructure, energy build-out and reshoring of manufacturing all keep skilled welders in steady demand, especially those with specialist tickets.
How much does a welder make an hour in the USA?
The median is about $24.50 an hour ($51,000 a year). Entry-level runs around $18–$22, while pipe, rig and underwater welders can bill far more, often $40+ an hour.
What is the highest-paying type of welding in the USA?
Underwater (commercial diver) and offshore rig welding pay the most, frequently reaching $70,000 to over $100,000, reflecting the danger, travel and specialist certification involved.
Which state pays welders the most?
Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. lead, driven by energy, shipbuilding and high cost of living. Texas and Louisiana offer huge volumes of well-paid oil-and-gas work.
Is welding a good career in the USA in 2026?
Yes — it offers a debt-free route into a skilled trade, with a clear ladder from ~$38,000 to six figures for specialists, steady demand, and work that can’t be outsourced.
Curious how this compares across the Atlantic? See our full welder salary USA vs UK comparison, see how much a welder earns in the UK. For official figures, the BLS publishes welder data at bls.gov.