Skilled Trades National Data · 2026 +5.0% YoY proj.

Welder Salary in 2026

Pipeline and underwater welders earn 2-3x median. Heavy energy-state exposure.

$57,300
National median annual salary for Welders in the United States, projected Q1 2026.
Range: $41,900 (P25) → $77,200 (P75) → $101,400 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$41,900
MEDIAN
$57,300
P75
$77,200
P90
$101,400
Experience Tier

Welder Salary by Experience Level

Pay scales steeply with tenure for Welders. National figures, before regional adjustments.

ExperienceMedian 202625th Percentile75th Percentile
Entry Level (0–1 yr)$40,100$29,300$54,000
Junior (2–4 yrs)$49,800$36,400$67,100
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$57,300$41,900$77,200
Senior (10–14 yrs)$68,700$50,200$92,600
Veteran (15+ yrs)$77,900$56,900$104,900
Geography

Highest-Paying States for Welders

Top 10 states by median Welder salary in 2026.

StateMedian25th %75th %vs Nat'l
California $80,300 $61,000 $104,300 +40%
Washington DC $80,300 $61,000 $104,300 +40%
New York $76,200 $57,900 $99,100 +33%
Massachusetts $74,500 $56,600 $96,900 +30%
Washington $74,500 $56,600 $96,900 +30%
New Jersey $72,200 $54,900 $93,900 +26%
Alaska $71,700 $54,500 $93,200 +25%
Connecticut $69,400 $52,700 $90,200 +21%
Maryland $68,800 $52,300 $89,400 +20%
North Dakota $68,800 $52,300 $89,400 +20%

Lowest-Paying States for Welders

StateMedian25th %75th %vs Nat'l
New Mexico $49,900 $37,900 $64,800 -13%
Montana $49,300 $37,500 $64,100 -14%
Iowa $48,700 $37,000 $63,300 -15%
Kentucky $48,700 $37,000 $63,300 -15%
Oklahoma $48,200 $36,600 $62,600 -16%
Alabama $47,600 $36,200 $61,900 -17%
Arkansas $45,900 $34,900 $59,600 -20%
South Dakota $45,900 $34,900 $59,600 -20%
Mississippi $44,700 $34,000 $58,100 -22%
West Virginia $44,700 $34,000 $58,100 -22%
Major US Metros

Highest-Paying Cities for Welders

Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.

Complete Coverage

Welder Salary in All 50 States

Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.

Personal Audit

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