🔥 How much does a welder make?

About $26 an hour

• Regular wages: Employee welders receive regular pay for their work; BLS wage data include base-rate pay. Source
• Overtime pay: Workers covered by overtime law must receive at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Source

In the United States, finish high school or earn an equivalent, then learn welding in a technical program or community college. Build hands-on skills through employer training or an apprenticeship, and get any local license or job-specific certification required for the work.

1. Finish high school or earn an equivalent.
2. Learn welding at a technical school or similar program.
3. Build hands-on skills through an apprenticeship or job training.
4. Get any local license or job-specific certification required.
5. Apply for welder jobs.

Qualifications and exams

In the U.S., a high school diploma or equivalent plus technical and on-the-job training is typical. Some states or localities require a license; some employers require job-specific certification.

A welder checks the drawing, cleans and clamps the metal pieces, then joins them with welding equipment while wearing safety gear. They measure and inspect the finished joint and report faulty equipment.

Do contractor and factory welders earn the same?

In May 2025, the typical pay was $59,440 at specialty trade contractors and $51,210 in manufacturing, so pay differs by industry. Source

Do welders get extra pay for overtime?

For workers covered by federal overtime law who are not exempt, hours over 40 in a workweek must be paid at least 1.5 times their regular rate. Source

Does experience change a welder’s pay?

Yes, pay varies with experience and skill, as well as industry and company size. The BLS does not give a guaranteed raise for each year worked. Source

Will a welding certificate guarantee a raise?

AWS says certifications can strengthen earning potential, but it does not promise a raise or give a standard amount for one. Source

Do welders sometimes work nights or weekends?

Sometimes. Manufacturing plants may run evening or weekend shifts, so welders can work those hours. Source

This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.