Welder salary guide 2026
A welder in the U.S. earns a median base salary of about $55,500 in 2026. That estimate applies the 3.4% average 2026 pay increase reported by Mercer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 median of $53,750 for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. The middle half earn about $48,500 to $65,000.
$55,500
Estimated median base, 2026
$48,500–$65,000
Middle 50% of earners, 2026 est.
$80,000
Top 10% earn above, 2026 est.
What the role involves
Welders join and fabricate metal parts using MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core processes. Pay depends heavily on process, certification, and the materials and tolerances involved. TIG welders on stainless and aluminum, and certified structural or pipe welders, earn toward the top of the range.
Welder pay by percentile
| Percentile | BLS, May 2025 | 2026 estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,240 | $40,500 |
| 25th percentile | $46,790 | $48,500 |
| Median | $53,750 | $55,500 |
| 75th percentile | $63,010 | $65,000 |
| 90th percentile | $77,530 | $80,000 |
BLS occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (SOC 51-4121).
What moves welder pay
AWS certifications and TIG experience on stainless and aluminum move candidates toward the top of the range.
Welders who can read blueprints and fit their own parts are harder to find than production welders.
Bonus and incentives
Welders are usually paid hourly, with overtime and shift differentials as the main additions to base pay.
Key skills
Frequently asked questions
How we calculated these figures
National figures are Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics estimates for May 2025, released May 15, 2026, the most recent official data. 2026 estimates apply the 3.4% average total pay increase U.S. employers delivered in 2026, from Mercer's survey of 756 employers. BLS wages include base pay, commissions, and production bonuses, but exclude benefits, overtime premiums, and equity.
Hiring a welder?
At this role's typical pay of about $55,500, a Colossus placement is $10,000 per hire with a 4-month replacement guarantee. Need coverage sooner? We also place contract and contract-to-hire.
Talk through your welder searchPrefer to write it down? Send us the role details
Checking what you pay your current team?
Compensation benchmarking from $699 per roleExploring your next move?
Join the Colossus talent network