Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Guide 2025: $53,750 Median, Top States & Career Outlook
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earn a median salary of $53,750 per year, or about $26 an hour. The typical range runs from $39,240 at the 10th percentile to $77,530 at the 90th, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With 416,210 workers nationwide and 45,600 annual openings projected through 2034, it's a solid skilled-trades career.
How much Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earn
The national median salary for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $53,750, with mean annual wages hitting $56,760. That works out to roughly $26 per hour. The bottom 10% earn about $39,240, while the top 10% take home $77,530 or more.
Your actual pay depends on location, industry, and experience. For example, welders in Alaska earn $80,840 on average — the highest in the country. At the other end, Arkansas pays $47,970, a difference of nearly $33,000.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The five highest-paying states for welders are: Alaska ($80,840), Hawaii ($79,000), Connecticut ($64,880), Wyoming ($63,820), and Washington ($63,020).
The lowest-paying states include Georgia ($48,430), Tennessee ($48,040), and Arkansas ($47,970). Even within these states, pay can vary by metro area or whether you specialize in pipe welding vs. soldering.
How to become Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazer
Most welders learn through a combination of trade school, community college, or a paid apprenticeship. Certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) are the industry standard — the Certified Welder (CW) credential is commonly required by employers.
- Complete a high school diploma or GED.
- Enroll in a training program (trade school or community college) lasting 6 months to 2 years.
- Earn AWS Certified Welder or other specialty certifications.
- Gain hands-on experience via apprenticeship or entry-level job.
- Consider additional skills like blueprint reading and metallurgy.
Job outlook
Employment for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 45,600 job openings each year, many due to retirements or replacing workers who leave the field. The need for skilled welders in manufacturing, construction, and repair should remain steady.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a welder?
Entry-level welders (10th percentile) earn around $39,240 annually, according to BLS data. First-year wages can be lower, but apprenticeships often pay while you learn.
Do welders need a license or certification?
Certification is not always mandatory, but most employers prefer or require an AWS Certified Welder credential. Some jobs, like those in pipelines or structural welding, may need specific certifications.
Which industry pays welders the most?
Welders in the natural gas distribution industry and those working on pipelines or in remote locations (like Alaska) tend to earn the highest wages. The BLS reports Alaska and Hawaii as top-paying states.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers data.