What does a welder do?
- Read blueprints and weld metal parts together.
- Cut, shape and prepare metal for joining.
- Inspect welds for strength and quality.
- Maintain welding equipment and follow safety rules.
Where do welders work?
- Factories and fabrication shops
- Construction sites, pipelines and shipyards
- Outdoors in all weather, or in confined spaces
Is a career as a welder right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You have steady hands and good concentration.
- You like hands-on work with visible results.
- You want a skill used in almost every industry.
How to become a welder
Welders usually need a high school diploma plus technical training, often a trade school program, followed by on-the-job training.
How much do welders make?
The median pay for welders in the U.S. was $53,750 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $39,240 to $77,530 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Welder pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $53,750 |
| Massachusetts | $62,570 |
| New Hampshire | $62,360 |
Job outlook for welders
U.S. employment of welders is projected to change by +2% (slower than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 40,300 openings each year on average. There were 437,700 welder jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- Pay varies with specialty, industry and location.
- Certifications, such as those from the American Welding Society, show employers what you can do.
Welder FAQ
What does a welder do?
Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair or cut metal parts and products. Typical work includes: read blueprints and weld metal parts together; cut, shape and prepare metal for joining; inspect welds for strength and quality; maintain welding equipment and follow safety rules.
How do you become a welder?
Welders usually need a high school diploma plus technical training, often a trade school program, followed by on-the-job training.
How much do welders make?
The median pay for welders in the U.S. was $53,750 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers). Most earn between $39,240 to $77,530 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are welders in demand?
U.S. employment of welders is projected to change by +2% (slower than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 40,300 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay welders the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for welders were Massachusetts ($62,570), New Hampshire ($62,360), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.