How much does a Welder/Fabricator make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Welder/Fabricator?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Specialized welding techniques
- Certifications from recognized bodies
- Willingness to travel for work
- Networking and professional connections
- Leadership and supervisory roles