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How much does a Welder/Fabricator make?

The average salary for a Welder/Fabricator is $48,350 per year in the US.

A welder/fabricator plays a key role in many industries, from construction to manufacturing. This skilled professional uses various tools to join metal parts together. The average yearly salary for a welder/fabricator stands at $48,350. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

Welders/fabricators can earn more as they gain more experience. Entry-level positions may start around $35,400 per year. Those with a few years of experience can expect to earn between $41,825 and $45,038. Experienced professionals, especially those with specialized skills, can earn upwards of $67,527 annually. The highest earners in this field make more than $70,000 per year. This range shows that there is a lot of potential for growth and earning more over time.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Welder/Fabricator?

Job seekers looking for high-paying welder/fabricator jobs should consider Reno, NV, where the average salary reaches $63,982. Virginia Beach, VA, offers a competitive average salary of $62,806. Seattle, WA, provides another attractive option with an average salary of $62,599. These cities present excellent opportunities for skilled welders and fabricators. Portland, OR, and Baton Rouge, LA, also offer strong salaries, with averages of $60,244 and $59,738, respectively. Birmingham, AL, Los Angeles, CA, Fresno, CA, Midland, TX, and Philadelphia, PA, round out the list with average salaries ranging from $54,892 to $57,103.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs, highlighting Reno, NV with the highest at $63,982 and Philadelphia, PA with the lowest at $54,892.
  1. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $63,982
    In Reno, skilled welders and fabricators enjoy a thriving job market. Companies like Sierra Nevada Corporation offer great opportunities. The city's growing tech and construction sectors provide steady work.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Reno, NV


  2. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $62,806
    Virginia Beach offers a dynamic environment for welders and fabricators. With major shipyards and a strong manufacturing industry, there are plenty of job openings. Companies like BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman are prominent employers.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $62,599
    Seattle's job market for welders and fabricators is robust. The aerospace industry, led by Boeing, is a major employer. The city's maritime industry also offers many opportunities. Skilled workers are in high demand.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $60,244
    Portland provides a vibrant setting for welders and fabricators. The city's diverse industries, including construction and manufacturing, offer numerous job opportunities. Companies like Oregon Iron Works are known employers.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Portland, OR


  5. Baton Rouge, LA
    Average Salary: $59,738
    In Baton Rouge, welders and fabricators benefit from a strong industrial base. The city's petrochemical industry is a major employer. Companies like Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil offer many job openings.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA


  6. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $57,103
    Birmingham has a thriving job market for welders and fabricators. The automotive industry, with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, is a major employer. The city's manufacturing sector also offers steady work.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Birmingham, AL


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $57,043
    Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for welders and fabricators. The city's diverse industries, including aerospace and entertainment, provide many job opportunities. Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin are prominent employers.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $56,634
    Fresno's job market for welders and fabricators is growing. The city's agriculture and manufacturing sectors offer many opportunities. Companies like Valley National and Fresno Pacific University are known employers.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Fresno, CA


  9. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $56,601
    Midland provides a strong job market for welders and fabricators. The city's oil and gas industry is a major employer. Companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron offer many job openings.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Midland, TX


  10. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $54,892
    Philadelphia offers a vibrant setting for welders and fabricators. The city's shipbuilding and manufacturing industries provide many opportunities. Companies like BAE Systems and Boeing are prominent employers.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Philadelphia, PA

What are the best companies a Welder/Fabricator can work for?

Vigor, LLC offers the highest average salary for welder/fabricator jobs at $68,738. SAFE Boats International follows closely with an average salary of $66,378. These companies provide competitive pay and opportunities for skilled professionals. Paramount Placement and Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. also offer attractive salaries, with averages of $64,375 and $59,023, respectively. These companies value skilled welders and fabricators, making them good choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs, highlighting Vigor, LLC with the highest at $68,738 and Hardhat Workforce Solutions with the lowest at $53,875.
  1. Vigor, LLC
    Average Salary: $68,738
    Vigor, LLC offers competitive salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in various locations, including Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. They focus on marine and industrial construction.


  2. SAFE Boats International
    Average Salary: $66,378
    SAFE Boats International provides attractive salaries for Welder/Fabricator positions. They work in locations such as Seattle, Washington, and Tacoma, Washington. They specialize in building safe and reliable boats.


  3. Paramount Placement
    Average Salary: $64,375
    Paramount Placement offers good salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in locations like Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. They focus on placing skilled workers in various industries.


  4. Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc.
    Average Salary: $59,023
    Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. provides decent salaries for Welder/Fabricator roles. They work in locations such as Seattle, Washington, and Tacoma, Washington. They focus on industrial and commercial projects.


  5. The Kelly Group
    Average Salary: $56,974
    The Kelly Group offers competitive salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in locations like Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. They focus on providing skilled labor for various industries.


  6. Entegee
    Average Salary: $56,111
    Entegee provides good salaries for Welder/Fabricator positions. They work in locations such as Seattle, Washington, and Tacoma, Washington. They focus on industrial and commercial projects.


  7. Advantech Industries, Inc.
    Average Salary: $56,000
    Advantech Industries, Inc. offers competitive salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in locations like Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. They focus on industrial and commercial projects.


  8. The Dupps Company
    Average Salary: $55,343
    The Dupps Company provides decent salaries for Welder/Fabricator roles. They work in locations such as Seattle, Washington, and Tacoma, Washington. They focus on industrial and commercial projects.


  9. Vollrath Company
    Average Salary: $55,128
    Vollrath Company offers competitive salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in locations like Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. They focus on industrial and commercial projects.


  10. Hardhat Workforce Solutions
    Average Salary: $53,875
    Hardhat Workforce Solutions provides decent salaries for Welder/Fabricator positions. They work in locations such as Seattle, Washington, and Tacoma, Washington. They focus on placing skilled workers in various industries.

How to earn more as a Welder/Fabricator?

A welder/fabricator can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience and expertise in specialized welding techniques can lead to higher-paying jobs. For instance, working with advanced materials like titanium or stainless steel often requires additional skills and can command higher wages. Certifications from recognized bodies such as the American Welding Society (AWS) can also boost earning potential. These certifications validate a welder's skills and knowledge, making them more attractive to employers.

Another way to earn more is by expanding your job opportunities. Welders/fabricators who are willing to travel for work often find higher-paying jobs. This could mean working on construction sites, in manufacturing plants, or in shipyards. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also open doors to better-paying positions. Attending trade shows and joining professional organizations can help build connections. Finally, taking on leadership roles or supervisory positions can lead to higher salaries. These roles often involve overseeing projects and managing teams, which can significantly increase earnings.

Here are five factors that can help a welder/fabricator earn more:

  1. Specialized welding techniques
  2. Certifications from recognized bodies
  3. Willingness to travel for work
  4. Networking and professional connections
  5. Leadership and supervisory roles

Currently 730 Welder/Fabricator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Welder/Fabricator in the US?

Learn what a Welder/Fabricator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Welder/Fabricator today.
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Welder/Fabricator
730 Job Openings