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The average welder earns about $47,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but some of the highest-paying welding jobs can bring in six-figure salaries. In order to land one of these, you really have to commit to your craft — and your education. Here’s a look at some of the most lucrative welding positions available today.
If you are looking for a high-paying welding job, start your search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply to jobs with a single click!
10 Of The Highest-Paying Welding Jobs
Here are 10 of the best-paying jobs for welders:
Welding Engineer
Average annual salary: $83,116
Salary range: $42,000 to $113,500
Education required: At least a bachelor’s degree in welding engineering and a related field as well as a professional engineer license and a welding engineer certification
Primary duties: Welding engineers develop and supervise welding and repair procedures. This includes designing welded parts and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
Rig Welder
Average annual salary: $77,686
Salary range: $11,000 to $137,500
Education required: At least a high school diploma or GED and completion of a two-year technical training program
Primary duties: Rig welders work on oil rigs. Their job is to maintain and repair the equipment necessary to extract the oil so the rig can continue to run smoothly.
Pipeline Welder
Average annual salary: $69,841
Salary range: $23,500 to $133,500
Education required: At least a high school diploma or GED and, ideally, an associate’s degree or certification in welding
Primary duties: Pipeline welders are responsible for constructing and maintaining industrial pipelines. This job often requires a lot of travel.
Nuclear Welder
Average annual salary: $66,978
Salary range: $22,500 to $143,500
Education required: At least a high school diploma or GED, plus an American Welding Society certification and a Worldwide Gas Association certification
Primary duties: Many nuclear welders work in nuclear power plants where they work to ensure plant systems are operating safely and effectively. They may be required to work during emergency response efforts in the event of a radiation leak.
Certified Welding Inspector
Average annual salary: $63,197
Salary range: $22,500 to $94,000
Education required: At least an associate’s degree in welding and at least a Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) certificate
Primary duties: Welding inspectors are responsible for reviewing welding procedures and making sure they comply with safety guidelines. They also review contracts and compliance requirements.
Robotic Welding Technician
Average annual salary: $53,540
Salary range: $32,000 to $65,000
Education required: At least a high school diploma or GED and ideally, a certification in robotic arc welding
Primary duties: Robotic welding technicians create robotic welding programs. They also troubleshoot and maintain robotic welding equipment.
Underwater Welder
Average annual salary: $53,515
Salary range: $18,000 to $122,500
Education required: At least a high school diploma or GED and completion of a diving exam and ideally, certifications in welding and diving
Primary duties: Underwater welders weld items under the water. Many interested in this field begin as more traditional welders and then pursue their diving certifications so they can chase the higher salary that comes with working underwater.
Welding Supervisor
Average annual salary: $55,955
Salary range: $34,500 to $78,500
Education required: At least an associate’s degree in welding and ideally, welding certifications and management experience
Primary duties: Welding supervisors supervise teams of welders. They also serve as a liaison between the welders, designers, and clients.
Shipfitter
Average annual salary: $52,237
Salary range: $28,000 to $105,000
Education required: At least a high school diploma or GED and ideally, welding certifications
Primary duties: Shipfitters are welders who work in shipyards. They help build and repair ships and other maritime structures.
Welding Technician
Average annual salary: $50,920
Salary range: $30,500 to $85,500
Education required: At least a high school diploma or GED and ideally, an associate’s degree in welding and welding certifications
Primary duties: Welding technicians interpret welding requirements and work with others to build new products. They also troubleshoot welding issues as they arise.
Where To Find High-Paying Welding Jobs
Here are a few places you can look to find high-paying welding jobs that interest you. Before you start applying for jobs, take time to polish your manufacturing resume.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is one of the most popular job sites out there because it’s free to use and it enables job seekers to quickly apply to jobs. It also gives them powerful filters they can use to narrow down their results.
For more information, read our ZipRecruiter review.
Indeed
Indeed is another well-known job site that allows employees to post their resumes and search for jobs. Once they’ve entered a job title and location, they can filter their results to find what they need.
For more information, read our Indeed review.
Jobs In Welding
Jobs In Welding is operated by the American Welding Society and features exclusively welding jobs. However, it doesn’t have an overabundance of available positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of welders make $100,000 a year?
There are several types of welders that can make $100,000 a year or more, including underwater welders, nuclear welders, and rig welders. But these individuals often have several certifications, postsecondary degrees, and a lot of experience in their field.
Where are the highest-paid welding jobs?
Some of the highest-paying welding jobs include welding engineers, rig welders, and pipeline welders.
What type of welder makes the most?
Welders in several specialties can make six-figure salaries. It all depends on the welder’s experience level, certifications, and often, the risk involved with the work.
Can welders make $200,000 a year?
Some welders can make $200,000 per year, though this is rare. Those who do make this much money are usually experienced, certified, and working in high-risk environments.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of opportunities for aspiring welders to make a comfortable salary, and ZipRecruiter can help you find them. Begin your search today to see what’s out there for you. And if you want to spruce up your resume before you apply, check out our best resume writing services.