Welders join metal components using heat and specialized equipment — from structural steel on skyscrapers to precision components in aerospace, defense, and shipbuilding. Certified welders with specialty skills (underwater welding, pipe welding, aerospace) command some of the highest hourly rates in the trades, often exceeding $50–$80/hour for contract and specialty work.
Starting with MIG or stick welding on structural or manufacturing work. $18–$22/hour typical starting wage.
AWS D1.1 or D1.6 certification opens commercial and industrial opportunities. Wage jumps to $25–$35/hour.
TIG welding, pipe welding, or aerospace certification. $35–$55/hour range. Significant demand with limited supply.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential. Quality assurance, code compliance, supervision. $70K–$100K+ salary range.
Your skills and interests may align with more than one trade. Compare before committing.
Our Salary Compare tool shows Welder wages at every experience level — and compares them against other trades and a 4-year degree path.
Compare Welder Salaries →Registered apprenticeships pay you from day one. The fastest route is straight to the training centers that run them — the United Association (UA) local training centers list local programs by state, with contact details and how to apply.
Find a local training center → DOL program directoryThe DOL directory lists registered programs to contact — not job openings. Search Welder and your state, then call and ask when they accept applications. You can also browse trade schools here. Welding also branches into specialties such as pipeline welding and underwater (commercial diving) welding. Most welders start with a standard welding program, then specialize on the job.