Skilled Trades · United States

Welder Salary in United States

The United States median is $57,700 per year, with observed city pay up to Washington DC at $81,700.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Welder pay in United States: Washington DC leads, Dallas trails

The United States national median for a welder is $57,700 a year. Among 9 metros with observed data, pay runs from about $51,600 in Dallas to $81,700 in Washington DC (1.6×).

Welders join metal parts using heat for construction, manufacturing, and repair. Common screening skills include MIG/TIG, Blueprints, Safety, and Fabrication.

A modeled national band runs about $41,100–$78,000 around that midpoint. Many top cash roles in the United States still run through employer sponsorship and specialty licensing. Employment outlook for the occupation is sketched at +3% over a decade — a national demand guess, not a hiring guarantee in every American city.

Washington DC sits +42% vs the national median; Dallas sits -11%. Relocating inside United States for this title can move cash more than a small raise at the same desk. Open a city page for take-home and rent context — this national page is the map, not the offer.

United States shows about 2.9% CPI in 2024. A welder raise that trails inflation is a real-pay cut even if it still beats last year’s peers. This occupation is also covered in 39 other countries — useful for remote or relocation shortlists, after FX and local tax. Nearby skilled trades titles on this site include Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, and Chef.

How to use Welder pay data in United States

Start with the national median ($57,700), then pick the metro where you would actually work. Observed city rows below are stronger than a pay-index guess. If your city is missing, stay on this page for the country figure and check the United States hub for other careers.

Convert gross through the salary calculator before comparing two cities — tax and rent often reorder a cash ranking. Figures are estimates for research, not employer bands.

National band vs top metro

National sketch: $41,100 (10th) → $57,700 (median) → $78,000 (90th). Washington DC’s observed median is $81,700, with a local band about $57,800–$115,000. If an offer is “at the United States median” but the job is in Washington DC, you may still be under local market.

National median
$57,700
per year
Monthly (national)
$4,800
per month, before tax
Highest-paying city
$81,700
Washington DC, DC
Hourly (national)
$27.74
varies by city

Welder salary by city in United States

Cities below have observed metro percentiles for this role. Prefer these over national-only estimates when you are relocating to a specific market.

CityPer year
Washington DC, DC$81,700
San Diego, CA$72,600
Philadelphia, PA$58,400
Houston, TX$57,900
Los Angeles, CA$56,200
Phoenix, AZ$54,800
Chicago, IL$52,700
San Antonio, TX$52,300
Dallas, TX$51,600

Welder salary in other countries

Related Skilled Trades salaries in United States

Frequently asked questions

How much does a welder make in United States?
The national median is about $57,700 per year. Across 9 observed cities, pay ranges from about $51,600 to $81,700.
Which United States city pays welders the most?
Washington DC, DC leads observed metros at about $81,700 per year (+42% vs national).
Which United States city pays welders the least?
Among observed cities, Dallas, TX is on the lower end at about $51,600 per year.
How many United States cities have welder salary data?
9 metros list observed welder percentiles in USD on this site.
Is welder in demand in United States?
Occupation-level employment is projected at about +3% over ten years. Local hiring still follows American industry mix.