Welder
Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers
SOC 51-4121
How Much Does a Welder Make?
The national median salary for a Welder is $49,730 per year ($23.91/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
That's 24% below the national median salary of $65,470 for all occupations.
How to Become a Welder
AWS certifications (CWI, etc.)
This career has relatively low barriers to entry compared to similar roles.
Welder Job Outlook
Slower than avg — the BLS projects 1% growth from 2024 to 2034.
That's roughly in line with the average across all occupations.
About 42,400 positions are expected to open annually, from both new roles and replacement needs.
Manufacturing; infrastructure; specialized welding in high demand
What It's Like to Work as a Welder
Very High
This role typically requires in-person work at a specific location.
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Career data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections (released August 2025). Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2024.
View on BLS.gov