The demand for welders is expected to grow by 6 percent over the next ten years. This means that welders who are skilled in modern welding techniques and have experience with different types of metals will be in high demand. But what welders make the most money? What are the average salary of welders and What are the highest paying welding jobs?

There are many factors that determine how much a welder makes. Welders with experience and those who are certified earn more money than those who are not. 

Welders who work in manufacturing or construction also make more money than those who do not.

Let’s check out below what are the highest paying welding jobs!

How to Earn More as a Welder

As metal fabrication and welding are becoming more popular as hobbies, welding professionals are in high demand. Fabricators can earn a good wage, but there are ways to increase your earning potential as a welder.

One way to maximize your income is to specialize in a particular type of welding. There is a great deal of specialization within the welding industry, so find the niche that best suits your skills and interests. Tig welding, for example, high pays more than other types of welding because it is a more difficult process.

However, if you want to earn more high paying in the US as a welder you can become a qualified welder by learning the welding skills, so whenever you have the certification of welding, there will be more chance to earn more as a welder!

Qualifications and Certifications of the Welders

Welders are responsible for the quality and strength of welded joints in a variety of structures, from pipelines to skyscrapers. The qualifications and certifications of welders can vary depending on the type of welding they perform and the industry in which they work. 

In general, welders must be certified by a nationally or internationally recognized organization. The most common certification is the American Welding Society’s Certified Welder (CW) designation. To become certified, welders must pass a written exam and demonstrate their welding skills in a hands-on test. 

Welders may also need to be certified in specific types of welding, such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). There are also certifications specific to certain industries, such as construction or nuclear power plants.

How Much Do Welders Typically Make?

Welders can make a great living depending on their skill level. According to Indeed, the average welder’s salary is $44,000 per year. However, welders with more experience and skills can make up to $80,000 per year.

There are many factors that contribute to how much welders make such as where they work, what type of welding they do, and how in demand their skills are. 

Despite the potential for high pay, welding is still a difficult trade to break into and requires years of practice and experience to become proficient.

Welding Average Salary and Highest-Paying Welders Jobs

Welders are in high demand and there are many welding jobs that pay well. According to experts and our survey, the average salary for a welder is $41,000. But, there are some welding jobs that pay much more than that.

One of the highest paying welding jobs is with NASA. Welders who work for NASA can make up to $100,000 per year. Another high paying welding job is with the military. Welders in the military can make up to $85,000 per year.

Welders who work in the oil and gas industry also make good money. The average salary for a welder in the oil and gas industry is $68,000 per year. Welders who work in manufacturing also make good money.

The 7 Best Highest-Paying Welding Jobs

Which welding jobs pay the most? Here are the 7 highest-paid welding jobs:

1) Underwater Welder

Underwater welders can make a very lucrative salary. Depending on the company, an underwater welder can make up to $200,000 per year. This is a very dangerous job and requires a great deal of skill. However, the money is good and the work is exciting.

2) Pipeline Welder

The average pay for a pipeline welder is around $50,000 per year. This salary can vary depending on the welder’s experience, location, and the company that they work for. Some welders may make more, while others may make less. 

Welders who work on pipelines must be skilled in both MIG and TIG welding. They must also be able to read blueprints and have knowledge of various welding techniques. Because of the dangers associated with this type of welding, welders must also be safety conscious and able to work in difficult conditions. 

Welders who are looking to start a career in this field can attend a trade school or community college. There are also many welding certification programs available online. Welder salaries are expected to increase in the next few years as the demand for skilled welders continues to grow.

3) Aerospace Welder

Even in the current economy, aerospace welders are in high demand. Companies are still paying top dollar for the best welders in the industry. Because of this, welders can often negotiate a higher salary than other tradespeople.

Many companies are willing to pay a premium for welders with the skills and knowledge necessary to work on these high-tech components.

How much do Aerospace welders earn? Aerospace welders typically earn a good wage, with experienced welders earning up to $80,000 per year. In addition to a competitive salary, many companies also offer excellent benefits packages. Welders who are interested in finding a job in the aerospace industry should be prepared to negotiate for the best possible salary and benefits.

4) Certified Welding Engineer

As the welding industry rapidly grows, the demand for certified welding engineers also rises. Certified welding engineers are in high demand and can often find jobs that pay very well. 

Certified welding engineers typically have a four-year degree in engineering and are experienced in welding procedures and safety.  Many companies are willing to pay a high salary for certified welding engineers because they bring value to the organization through their knowledge and skills. 

If you are looking for a career in welding, becoming a certified welding engineer is a great way to ensure you have a successful future.

5) Combo Welder 

The average Combo welder salary in the United States is $48,000. This number can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including education level, experience, and company size. 

However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the occupation will grow by 6 percent between now and 2024. Those who are skilled in both welding and fabricating stand to make the most money in this field.

6) Nuclear Welder

A nuclear welder typically earns an annual salary of an average $22,000 – $143,500. The hourly rate for a nuclear welder is about $33. However, the salary can vary depending on the level of experience and the company. 

Some companies may pay more, while others may pay less. 

Nuclear welders must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete an apprenticeship or be certified by the American Welding Society (AWS). 

7) American Welding Society’s Certified WelderMilitary Support Welder

Military Support Welders are in high demand as the United States Armed Forces continue to undergo a modernization process. These welders play an important role in helping to maintain the structural integrity of military vehicles and equipment.

 In order to ensure that our armed forces have the best resources available, the government is now offering a salary of $70,000 for qualified welders.

This is a significant increase from the previous salary of $50,000, and it reflects the importance of this position within the military. Military support welders are responsible for repairing and maintaining tanks, helicopters, planes, and other heavy equipment. They must be able to work under difficult conditions and be able to meet strict deadlines.

The government is offering this salary in order to attract more qualified welders to the military.

The Highest Welder Salaries In the US

The average welder salary in the United States is $41,620 per year. However, welders in some states earn much more than the national average. Welders in Alaska earn the most of any state, with an average salary of $59,370. Welders in California and New York also earn above-average salaries, at $53,640 and $52,200 respectively. 

Welders in states with lower costs of living tend to earn less than the national average. For example, welders in Texas earn an average of $37,240 per year, while those in Mississippi earn just $32,080. Despite this discrepancy, welders in all 50 states still make more than the minimum wage.

Is Welding a Good Career?

Welding is a trade that has been around for centuries. It is the process of joining two pieces of metal together using heat and a filler material, such as a welding rod. Welders use their skills to fabricate and repair products made of metal. 

Welders are in high demand due to the increasing popularity of metal fabrication. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for welders will grow by 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Many industries employ welders, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. They may also find work in the automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries. 

Generally, welders earn good wages. The median wage for welders was $41,380 in 2016.

FAQs

Can welders make six figures?

Welders can make six figures. They are in high demand due to the aging workforce and the increasing popularity of welding as a career choice. Many welders start their own businesses and enjoy a great deal of flexibility in their work schedule.

What type of welders make 100k a year?

Welders are in high demand and make a good salary. There are many types of welders, but the ones that make the most money are the ones that have the most experience and the most specialized training.

The welders that make 100k a year typically work in shipbuilding, aerospace, or nuclear engineering. They have years of experience and are certified in multiple welding techniques.

Where are the highest-paid welders?

Alaska has the highest welding salaries in the nation, with the average welder earning $66,740 and the highest earners making $94,280 and up.

Conclusion

Welding is a highly skilled trade that can lead to a high paying career. There are many welding jobs available in a variety of industries, so there is something for everyone who are looking for highest paing welding jobs.

If you are interested in a career in welding, be sure to research the various schools and programs available and get started on your training today.