Welder Pay: Welder to Production Supervisor (May 2025 BLS Data)
Welding pay depends heavily on where you weld. The federal data shows a wide gap between industries, which matters more for many welders than the title on the job.
The pay ladder at a glance
| Occupation | U.S. jobs | 10th pct. | Median | 90th pct. | Typical entry education | Projected growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welder / cutter | 416,210 | $39,240 | $53,750 | $77,530 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.4% |
| Production supervisor | 673,430 | $47,130 | $74,450 | $108,750 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.8% |
Wages are May 2025 estimates from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; growth and education from BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. The 10th and 90th percentiles show the range from entry-level or lower-paying employers to the most experienced or best-paid workers. For comparison, the median for all U.S. occupations was $50,980.
Welders
Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers earn a median of $53,750, with the 90th percentile at $77,530. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook says they typically need a high school diploma combined with technical and on-the-job training.
Industry is the big lever
In the May 2025 data, the highest-paying industries for welders were:
| Industry sector | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $100,190 | 1,910 |
| Government (federal, state and local; excludes public schools, public hospitals and the Postal Service) | $71,720 | 4,300 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,520 | 7,540 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $65,090 | 5,630 |
| Construction | $61,800 | 55,860 |
Into supervision
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers earn $74,450. Lead welders who can read blueprints, plan jobs and inspect work are the usual candidates.
Where welder / cutters earn the most
State medians for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers vary widely. The five highest-paying states in the May 2025 survey:
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,840 | 790 |
| Hawaii | $79,000 | 520 |
| Connecticut | $64,880 | 1,790 |
| Wyoming | $63,820 | 1,850 |
| Washington | $63,020 | 7,720 |
Raise tips for welders
- Certifications by process and position can open higher-paying structural and pipe work.
- Count all pay in your overtime rate. See the note below.
Published October 27, 2026. Sources are linked in the text.
Header image: original chart by JobPayRaise.com using BLS OEWS May 2025 data.
Comments (1)
Shift differentials and production bonuses aren't optional extras when it comes to overtime: under the FLSA, the regular rate used to calculate time-and-a-half generally includes shift differentials and nondiscretionary bonuses, not just your base hourly rate. If your overtime is figured on base pay only, ask payroll why. See WHD Fact Sheet #56C and 29 CFR 778.207(b).