Welder
Join metal parts using heat and specialized techniques for construction, manufacturing, and fabrication.
Salary Range
The highest-paid specialization or seniority level for welders.
About 1 in 200 reaches this level
About 430K welders; only ~3,500 are commercial divers and just the busiest underwater welders earn $300K.
Salary data based on 2025 BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
How to Become One
Complete a welding trade school program (6–18 months) or apprenticeship, then earn AWS certifications for your specialty.
For more information: American Welding Society (AWS) ↗
AI Risk Assessment
Repetitive, standardized factory welding is being automated by robotic welders. However, field welding, repair welding, and custom fabrication remain human-dependent. The 454,000+ construction worker shortage provides a buffer. Entry-level welders should focus on field/structural work rather than factory settings.
Ratings reflect a 10-year outlook based on 2025-2026 research, weighted toward entry-level impact. Individual outcomes will vary.
Related Careers
Is Welder right for you?
Take our free 20-minute assessment to find out if welder matches your personality, interests, and strengths.
Take the Free Assessment