4 answers
Frankie
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
1786 views
How much money do welders make per year and what are the pros and cons of being a welder as a middle schooler?
Hi, I am in 8th grade in middle school and I go to crane middle school in Yuma Arizona. I am looking to become a welder and I was wondering how much welders make monthly and yearly. I also want to know the dangers of welding .
4 answers
Ed Wheatley
Project Manager
14
Answers
Festus, Missouri
Updated
Ed’s Answer
Hi, Frankie. That's awesome that you're considering welding as a career! It’s a skilled trade that can be very rewarding. Let's dive into your questions:
How Much Do Welders Make?
As Logan pointed out, the salary of a welder can vary significantly depending on factors like experience, industry, location, and the specific type of welding. Here's what I've been able to find as an outlook for welding wages 5 - 10 years in the future:
Current Average Salary
Current U.S. National Average:
Current Hourly wage: Around $20 to $30 per hour.
Current Annual salary: Approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Entry-level welders tend to be on the lower end of that range, but experienced welders or those in specialized fields can earn much more.
Factors That Affect Pay:
Experience: More experienced welders can command higher wages, especially those with advanced certifications.
Location: Pay tends to be higher in regions with high demand for skilled workers or areas with a higher cost of living (e.g., big cities or industrial zones).
Industry: Welders in specialized fields or high-risk areas (like power and energy manufacturing, underwater welding, and aerospace) earn more than those in general manufacturing.
Certifications: Holding specialized certifications or being a certified welding inspector can lead to higher pay.
Union Membership: Unionized welders (e.g. Pipefitters, Boilermakers, and Iron Workers) often have better pay and benefits than non-union welders.
Salary Breakdown by Experience:
Current Entry-Level (0–2 years): $35,000–$40,000 per year
5 Years from Now (Mid-Level Experience)
At this point, you’ll likely have gained a fair amount of experience, possibly some certifications (like AWS certifications), and be familiar with different welding techniques. This will allow you to take on more complex and high-paying jobs.
Forecasted Average Salary - 5 years from now:
Hourly: $25 to $35 per hour
Yearly: $50,000 to $70,000 per year
Monthly: $4,100 to $5,800 per month
10 Years from Now (Experienced/Highly Skilled Welder)
After 10 years, you’ll be considered an experienced welder, possibly holding advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas (such as underwater welding, aerospace, or robotic welding), or taking on leadership roles in welding teams. Specialized skills tend to command much higher salaries.
Forecasted Average Salary - 10 years from now:
Hourly: $35 to $50+ per hour
Yearly: $70,000 to $90,000+ per year
Monthly: $5,800 to $7,500+ per month
Specialized Areas with High Earning Potential
If you branch out into more specialized fields, such as underwater welding, offshore oil and gas welding, or aerospace welding, your earnings can be significantly higher than the average welder.
Dangers of Welding
Welding is a physically demanding job and does come with risks. Being aware of these dangers will help you stay safe and minimize injuries. Here are some key hazards:
1. Burns and Fires
Risk: Welding involves high heat, and molten metal can easily cause burns if proper protection isn’t worn. Sparks can fly, and materials around you can catch fire.
Prevention: Always wear flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and protective welding jackets. Make sure your work area is free of flammable materials.
2. Exposure to Toxic Fumes and Gases
Risk: The heat from welding can release toxic fumes from the metals you're working with, like manganese, chromium, and nickel. These fumes can cause long-term health issues like respiratory problems.
Prevention: Work in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. Always wear a proper respiratory mask when welding materials known to release toxic fumes (e.g., stainless steel).
3. Eye Damage
Risk: Welding produces intense UV radiation (the "arc flash") that can severely damage your eyes, leading to conditions like “welder’s flash” or permanent vision loss.
Prevention: Always wear proper eye protection, such as a welding helmet with the correct shade of lens, to protect your eyes from UV rays and flying debris.
4. Electric Shock
Risk: Welding uses electricity to create the heat needed for melting metals. There’s a risk of getting shocked if you touch live wires or the metal workpiece without proper grounding.
Prevention: Make sure your equipment is properly grounded. Wear rubber gloves, use insulated tools, and keep dry while working with electric welders.
5. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Risk: Welders often make repetitive movements and hold heavy tools for long periods, which can lead to muscle strain or joint injuries.
Prevention: Take regular breaks, stretch before and after work, and use ergonomically designed tools when possible.
6. Falling or Trips
Risk: In construction and fabrication environments, there can be a risk of falling off scaffolding, ladders, or slipping on wet surfaces.
Prevention: Wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles, and make sure your work environment is clear of hazards that could cause tripping.
7. Hearing Damage
Risk: Welding can be loud, especially if you’re working with large machines or in an industrial setting.
Prevention: Wear ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing.
8. Hot Metal & Flying Debris
Risk: The welding process involves molten metal and sparks flying from the workpiece, which can cause burns or injuries if they hit exposed skin or eyes.
Prevention: Always wear a full face shield or helmet, long sleeves, and long pants. Use welding blankets to shield surrounding areas from flying sparks.
Safety Gear to Prevent Injuries
Welding Helmet with the proper lens shade
Flame-resistant clothing (jackets, gloves, etc.)
Steel-toed boots to protect feet
Respirators or ventilation systems to filter fumes
Hearing protection (ear plugs or earmuffs
How Much Do Welders Make?
As Logan pointed out, the salary of a welder can vary significantly depending on factors like experience, industry, location, and the specific type of welding. Here's what I've been able to find as an outlook for welding wages 5 - 10 years in the future:
Current Average Salary
Current U.S. National Average:
Current Hourly wage: Around $20 to $30 per hour.
Current Annual salary: Approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Entry-level welders tend to be on the lower end of that range, but experienced welders or those in specialized fields can earn much more.
Factors That Affect Pay:
Experience: More experienced welders can command higher wages, especially those with advanced certifications.
Location: Pay tends to be higher in regions with high demand for skilled workers or areas with a higher cost of living (e.g., big cities or industrial zones).
Industry: Welders in specialized fields or high-risk areas (like power and energy manufacturing, underwater welding, and aerospace) earn more than those in general manufacturing.
Certifications: Holding specialized certifications or being a certified welding inspector can lead to higher pay.
Union Membership: Unionized welders (e.g. Pipefitters, Boilermakers, and Iron Workers) often have better pay and benefits than non-union welders.
Salary Breakdown by Experience:
Current Entry-Level (0–2 years): $35,000–$40,000 per year
5 Years from Now (Mid-Level Experience)
At this point, you’ll likely have gained a fair amount of experience, possibly some certifications (like AWS certifications), and be familiar with different welding techniques. This will allow you to take on more complex and high-paying jobs.
Forecasted Average Salary - 5 years from now:
Hourly: $25 to $35 per hour
Yearly: $50,000 to $70,000 per year
Monthly: $4,100 to $5,800 per month
10 Years from Now (Experienced/Highly Skilled Welder)
After 10 years, you’ll be considered an experienced welder, possibly holding advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas (such as underwater welding, aerospace, or robotic welding), or taking on leadership roles in welding teams. Specialized skills tend to command much higher salaries.
Forecasted Average Salary - 10 years from now:
Hourly: $35 to $50+ per hour
Yearly: $70,000 to $90,000+ per year
Monthly: $5,800 to $7,500+ per month
Specialized Areas with High Earning Potential
If you branch out into more specialized fields, such as underwater welding, offshore oil and gas welding, or aerospace welding, your earnings can be significantly higher than the average welder.
Dangers of Welding
Welding is a physically demanding job and does come with risks. Being aware of these dangers will help you stay safe and minimize injuries. Here are some key hazards:
1. Burns and Fires
Risk: Welding involves high heat, and molten metal can easily cause burns if proper protection isn’t worn. Sparks can fly, and materials around you can catch fire.
Prevention: Always wear flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and protective welding jackets. Make sure your work area is free of flammable materials.
2. Exposure to Toxic Fumes and Gases
Risk: The heat from welding can release toxic fumes from the metals you're working with, like manganese, chromium, and nickel. These fumes can cause long-term health issues like respiratory problems.
Prevention: Work in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. Always wear a proper respiratory mask when welding materials known to release toxic fumes (e.g., stainless steel).
3. Eye Damage
Risk: Welding produces intense UV radiation (the "arc flash") that can severely damage your eyes, leading to conditions like “welder’s flash” or permanent vision loss.
Prevention: Always wear proper eye protection, such as a welding helmet with the correct shade of lens, to protect your eyes from UV rays and flying debris.
4. Electric Shock
Risk: Welding uses electricity to create the heat needed for melting metals. There’s a risk of getting shocked if you touch live wires or the metal workpiece without proper grounding.
Prevention: Make sure your equipment is properly grounded. Wear rubber gloves, use insulated tools, and keep dry while working with electric welders.
5. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Risk: Welders often make repetitive movements and hold heavy tools for long periods, which can lead to muscle strain or joint injuries.
Prevention: Take regular breaks, stretch before and after work, and use ergonomically designed tools when possible.
6. Falling or Trips
Risk: In construction and fabrication environments, there can be a risk of falling off scaffolding, ladders, or slipping on wet surfaces.
Prevention: Wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles, and make sure your work environment is clear of hazards that could cause tripping.
7. Hearing Damage
Risk: Welding can be loud, especially if you’re working with large machines or in an industrial setting.
Prevention: Wear ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing.
8. Hot Metal & Flying Debris
Risk: The welding process involves molten metal and sparks flying from the workpiece, which can cause burns or injuries if they hit exposed skin or eyes.
Prevention: Always wear a full face shield or helmet, long sleeves, and long pants. Use welding blankets to shield surrounding areas from flying sparks.
Safety Gear to Prevent Injuries
Welding Helmet with the proper lens shade
Flame-resistant clothing (jackets, gloves, etc.)
Steel-toed boots to protect feet
Respirators or ventilation systems to filter fumes
Hearing protection (ear plugs or earmuffs
Thank you for the advice, Ed.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Frankie!
SALARY AZ
SEE https://www.salary.com/research/salary/opening/welder-salary/az
Welding poses several dangers, including exposure to harmful fumes, electric shock, intense heat, and potential injuries, making safety precautions essential for welders.
Common Hazards in Welding
Electric Shock: One of the most severe risks welders face is electric shock, which can be fatal. This can occur when a welder comes into contact with energized parts of the welding circuit. Proper grounding of equipment and wearing insulated gloves can help mitigate this risk.
Fumes and Gases: Welding produces harmful fumes and gases, including metal fumes, ozone, and nitrogen oxides. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and lung cancer. Using proper ventilation and respiratory protection is crucial to minimize inhalation of these harmful substances.
Fire and Explosions: The intense heat and sparks generated during welding can ignite flammable materials, leading to fires or explosions. It is essential to maintain a clean workspace and keep flammable materials away from the welding area.
Radiation Exposure: Welders are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can cause serious eye injuries, including welder's flash and cataracts. Wearing appropriate eye protection, such as welding helmets with proper filters, is vital.
Physical Injuries: The physical demands of welding can lead to injuries such as burns, cuts, and crushed fingers or toes. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, aprons, and steel-toed boots, can help protect against these injuries.
Noise: Welding operations can be noisy, leading to hearing loss over time. Using hearing protection in loud environments is recommended.
Repetitive Stress Injuries: The physical nature of welding can lead to musculoskeletal disorders if proper ergonomics are not followed. Taking breaks and using ergonomic tools can help reduce the risk of these injuries.
Safety Measures
To ensure safety while welding, it is crucial to implement the following measures:
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, helmets, and protective clothing.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to reduce exposure to harmful fumes and gases.
Maintain Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain welding equipment to prevent electrical hazards.
Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to established safety protocols and training to minimize risks associated with welding operations.
By understanding these dangers and implementing safety measures, welders can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
JC
SALARY AZ
SEE https://www.salary.com/research/salary/opening/welder-salary/az
Welding poses several dangers, including exposure to harmful fumes, electric shock, intense heat, and potential injuries, making safety precautions essential for welders.
Common Hazards in Welding
Electric Shock: One of the most severe risks welders face is electric shock, which can be fatal. This can occur when a welder comes into contact with energized parts of the welding circuit. Proper grounding of equipment and wearing insulated gloves can help mitigate this risk.
Fumes and Gases: Welding produces harmful fumes and gases, including metal fumes, ozone, and nitrogen oxides. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and lung cancer. Using proper ventilation and respiratory protection is crucial to minimize inhalation of these harmful substances.
Fire and Explosions: The intense heat and sparks generated during welding can ignite flammable materials, leading to fires or explosions. It is essential to maintain a clean workspace and keep flammable materials away from the welding area.
Radiation Exposure: Welders are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can cause serious eye injuries, including welder's flash and cataracts. Wearing appropriate eye protection, such as welding helmets with proper filters, is vital.
Physical Injuries: The physical demands of welding can lead to injuries such as burns, cuts, and crushed fingers or toes. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, aprons, and steel-toed boots, can help protect against these injuries.
Noise: Welding operations can be noisy, leading to hearing loss over time. Using hearing protection in loud environments is recommended.
Repetitive Stress Injuries: The physical nature of welding can lead to musculoskeletal disorders if proper ergonomics are not followed. Taking breaks and using ergonomic tools can help reduce the risk of these injuries.
Safety Measures
To ensure safety while welding, it is crucial to implement the following measures:
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, helmets, and protective clothing.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to reduce exposure to harmful fumes and gases.
Maintain Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain welding equipment to prevent electrical hazards.
Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to established safety protocols and training to minimize risks associated with welding operations.
By understanding these dangers and implementing safety measures, welders can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
JC
Daniel Chasteen
Welder/Welding Instructor
35
Answers
Pontiac, Illinois
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
The amount welders earn each month and year can vary a lot. It depends on the type of welding, the location, and the hours worked. Some welders make over $100,000 annually at $30 an hour, but they often work a lot of overtime. While some jobs pay minimum wage, others can pay up to $100 an hour. The more experience and education you have, the more you can earn. Like any job, there are risks such as bright lights, hot steel, and loud noise. However, by staying careful and keeping your workspace clean and organized, you can minimize these risks.
Logan Wilson
7
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Logan’s Answer
Cool that you’re interested in welding. In the U.S., the average welder earns around $47k–$51k/year (~$3.9k–$4.2k/month), and experienced or specialized welders can make $70k+.
Pros: high demand, hands-on work, and chances to travel for jobs.
Cons: heat, sparks, loud noise, and fumes—so PPE like helmets, gloves, and ventilation is a must.
Pros: high demand, hands-on work, and chances to travel for jobs.
Cons: heat, sparks, loud noise, and fumes—so PPE like helmets, gloves, and ventilation is a must.
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