Welder Salary in the USA 2025 | Scuba, Pipeline, Hyperbaric Welder Salary By State-Wise & Experience-Level
The average salary of a welder in the USA in 2025 is about $52,000 per year. In this guide, you’ll find full details on underwater welder salary, scuba welder salary, pipeline welder salary, and pipe welder salary. We also cover deep-sea welder salary, hyperbaric welding salary, and underwater welding salary. This page shows all welding salary info by state and experience level, so you know what welders really earn across the country.
What is a Welder Salary?
The average salary of a welder, according to experience & state-wise, is explained below in a very comprehensive way and latest data:
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly Rate | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / Beginner (0–2 yrs) | $17.00–$19.00 /hr | $35,000–$40,000 |
| Early-career (3–6 yrs) | $19.00–$24.00 /hr | $45,000–$60,000 |
| Mid-career (4–9 yrs) | ~$17–$22 /hr | ~$50,000–$60,000 |
| Experienced (7–20 yrs) | $22.00–$28.00 /hr | $60,000–$75,000 |
| Late-career (20+ yrs) | Up to ~$30 /hr | $70,000–$80,000+ |
Scuba Welder Salary
- Work underwater on ships, oil rigs, or pipelines.
- Average Salary: $66,000 – $100,000/year
- Top Earners: Over $150,000/year
Pipeline Welder Salary
- Welds long-distance oil and gas pipelines.
- Average Salary: $68,000 – $72,000/year
- Top Earners: $100,000+
Hyperbaric Welding Salary
- Works in pressurized underwater chambers.
- Average Salary: $66,000 – $100,000/year
- Top Earners: Over $150,000/year
Check Average Welder Salary in every State of the US 2025
High-Paying States (Above $55,000/year)
These are the top-paying states for welders, typically driven by strong union presence, energy sector demand, and cost of living:
| State | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $79,210 |
| Hawaii | $75,590 |
| Wyoming | $65,730 |
| Washington | $60,410 |
| Minnesota | $57,630 |
| Connecticut | $55,980 |
| California | $55,290 |
| Maryland | $54,900 |
| Kentucky | $54,240 |
| Wisconsin | $52,800 |
| New York | $52,483 |
| Vermont | $51,006 |
| Massachusetts | $52,391 |
| Illinois | $51,000 |
| New Jersey | $51,000 |
| District of Columbia | $66,860 |
Mid-Paying States ($47,000 – $55,000/year)
These states offer standard market pay and reflect national averages based on the BLS median:
| State | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $50,720 |
| North Dakota | $50,758 |
| Colorado | $50,443 |
| Texas | $50,000 |
| Utah | $50,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,270 |
| Nevada | $48,850 |
| New Hampshire | $49,500 |
| Rhode Island | $49,500 |
| Delaware | $49,000 |
| Arizona | $48,500 |
| Virginia | $48,000 |
| Indiana | $47,500 |
| North Carolina | $47,500 |
| Georgia | $46,500 |
| Nebraska | $46,500 |
| Montana | $46,500 |
| Kansas | $47,000 |
| Missouri | $47,000 |
| Idaho | $47,000 |
| Florida | $47,000 |
Low-Paying States (Below $47,000/year)
Welders in these states tend to earn below the national median. This may reflect rural markets, fewer high-risk jobs, or lower living costs:
| State | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| South Dakota | $44,000 |
| Mississippi | $44,200 |
| Louisiana | $44,370 |
| Michigan | $44,370 |
| Alabama | $44,500 |
| West Virginia | $45,000 |
| Arkansas | $45,200 |
| South Carolina | $45,500 |
| Maine | $46,000 |
| New Mexico | $46,000 |
| Oklahoma | $46,000 |
| Iowa | $46,200 |
Top Welding Companies in the USA (2025)
1. Lincoln Electric
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Contact: +1 (216) 481‑8100
- 🌐 Website: https://www.lincolnelectric.com
2. Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
- Location: Appleton, Wisconsin
- Contact: +1 (920) 734‑9821
- 🌐 Website: https://www.millerwelds.com
3. ESAB Corporation
- Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland
- Contact: +1 (800) 372‑2123
- 🌐 Website: https://www.esab.com
4. Hobart Welding Products
- Location: Troy, Ohio
- Contact: +1 (800) 626‑9420
- 🌐 Website: https://www.hobartwelders.com
5. Forney Industries
- Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
- Contact: +1 (800) 521‑6038
- 🌐 Website: https://www.forneyind.com
6. Precise Metal Products, Inc.
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Contact: +1 (817) 332‑0400
- 🌐 Website: https://www.precisemetal.com
7. Tri-Weld Enterprises, Inc.
- Location: Bensenville, Illinois
- Contact: +1 (630) 350‑7170
- 🌐 Website: https://www.triweld.com
8. Michels Corporation
- Location: Brownsville, Wisconsin
- Contact: +1 (920) 583‑3132
- 🌐 Website: https://www.michels.us