Welder Jobs Hiring Near You
About $24.50/hr (~$51,000/yr) national median per BLS May 2024. A certified combo welder in a busy region typically lands in the $50,000-$65,000 range. · Demand: Steady, with a major retirement wave
Welders join and cut metal to build and repair pipelines, buildings, ships, tanks, and heavy equipment. It is hands-on work you can get into in under a year, and good welders are in demand across the country. Most jobs here are full-time, with apprentice, shop, structural, and pipe welding roles.
Pay for welders runs about $18 to $24 an hour starting out, with a national median near $24.50 an hour (about $51,000 a year). Certified pipe and combo welders who travel and work overtime earn much more. Every listing below shows the pay we know upfront, so you can compare and apply fast without guessing.
Welder jobs: common questions
How much do welders make?
The national median is about $24.50 an hour, or roughly $51,000 a year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most welders earn between about $38,000 and $76,000 in straight wages, and certified pipe or combo welders who work overtime and travel often clear $80,000 to $135,000 or more.
Are welders in demand?
Yes. The workforce is aging fast and about 45,600 welding jobs open up every year, mostly to replace welders who retire. Skilled, certified welders who are willing to travel stay in demand almost everywhere.
How fast can I start welding?
You can be job-ready in as little as 6 to 18 months through a community college or trade school certificate, and some short stick or MIG programs run just 3 to 7 months. A paid apprenticeship gets you working from day one while you learn.
Do I need a degree to be a welder?
No four-year degree is required. A high school diploma or GED plus passing a weld test is the normal path, and many welders learn through a paid apprenticeship or on the job. What gets you hired is passing the test, not a diploma.
New to this trade?
Read the full Welder career guide: what it pays, the certs and licenses you need, apprenticeships, and the exact steps to get in.