Chef vs Welder salary
In United States, a chef earns about 31% more than a welder — $81,600 vs $62,500 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Chef | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $52,200 | $44,500 |
| 25th | $66,900 | $53,500 |
| Median | $81,600 | $62,500 |
| 75th | $99,600 | $73,500 |
| Senior (90th) | $117,500 | $84,500 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a chef or welder earn more in United States?
- A chef earns more, at about $81,600 per year vs $62,500 for a welder — roughly 31% ($19,100) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A chef typically earns $52,200–$117,500, while a welder earns $44,500–$84,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a chef averages about $6,800 and a welder about $5,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a chef earns about $52,200 while a welder earns about $44,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a chef earns about $117,500 while a welder earns about $84,500 per year.
- Are chef and welder similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Skilled Trades category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.