We all know that in any industry or job type there is a pay scale based on job requirements, a person’s ability and their level of experience. In the world of welding this is no different, in fact it may even be broader than most job types because of the large variances in welding jobs and the different industries welding covers.
The average welding job in the United States gives a salary return of between fifty nine thousand dollars and eighty five thousand dollars. Not a bad salary one must say, but as a person increases their ability and experience the salary range increases, it also increases further if the welder moves intricate or dangerous welding fields. An example of this is that a welder in a fabrication shop will not command the salary of an underwater diver welder for instance.
If you look at the welding salary range it is very clear to see that the oil and gas industry hogs the top end of salaries in the welding salary range. The bottom end of the scale is propped up by those in the production and fabrication industry.
Below is the welding salary ranges by industry:
Fabrication and Product Manufacturing - $61,000 - $75,000
Automotive - $63,000 - $78,000
Oil & Gas - $68,000 - $85,000
Manufacturing and Distribution - $63,000 - $78,000
There is one position that did not get used for these welding salary ranges; this is the job of an underwater diver welder. This is a very specialist job, one that requires a very special person to carry out the work. For those that have welding experience and a commercial diving license the salary that they can command is astronomical and if working full time on projects will easily be over six figures. The highest paid industry for diver welders is the fossil fuels industry of oil and gas.
Should you be looking to get into the welding field as a career then the best option is to pass your welding certification and start looking at lower paid welding jobs to build your knowledge and experience. After this you can then start looking at higher paid welding jobs that will challenge your welding skills and mental strength!
