Welder/Fabricator Salaries

Welder/Fabricators play a vital role in various industries, and their salaries reflect their skills and experience. The average yearly salary for a Welder/Fabricator is around $46,414.

Entry-level positions start at about $33,000. As you gain experience, salaries increase. For example, with a few years of experience, you can earn approximately $39,364. Those with more experience can make around $52,091, and the highest earners can reach up to $68,000 annually.

The salary progression shows that dedicated professionals have the chance to earn a solid income as they develop their skills. The demand for Welder/Fabricators continues to grow, making this a promising career choice.

1. San Jose, CA
   Average Salary: $71,058
   Working as a metal worker in San Jose offers exciting opportunities due to the city's booming tech industry. Major companies like Cisco and IBM often require metal fabrication for their projects, ensuring a steady demand for skilled labor.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in San Jose, CA
   




2. Santa Rosa, CA
   Average Salary: $58,018
   In Santa Rosa, metal workers can find diverse roles in various sectors, including construction and agriculture. The presence of numerous wineries and agricultural businesses creates a need for specialized equipment that requires skilled metalworking.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
   




3. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $57,276
   Seattle's robust manufacturing and aerospace industries provide excellent prospects for metal workers. Companies like Boeing and Amazon are known for their innovative projects, which often rely on high-quality metal fabrication.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Seattle, WA
   




4. Baton Rouge, LA
   Average Salary: $53,768
   Baton Rouge is a hub for the petrochemical industry, boosting job opportunities for metal workers. Major companies in the area often need welders for pipelines and heavy equipment manufacturing, ensuring consistent work.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA
   




5. Chicago, IL
   Average Salary: $53,764
   Chicago offers a rich landscape for metal workers, thanks to its historic manufacturing background. The city is home to numerous industries, including automotive and construction, where skilled labor is always in demand.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Chicago, IL
   




6. Reno, NV
   Average Salary: $53,464
   In Reno, metal workers benefit from the city's growing manufacturing sector, particularly in technology and gaming. Industry giants are investing in the region, creating a need for trained professionals in metal fabrication.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Reno, NV
   




7. Provo, UT
   Average Salary: $52,407
   Provo's technological growth supports opportunities for skilled metal workers in the region. With many startups and established firms requiring custom fabrication, professionals can find a niche in this expanding market.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Provo, UT
   




8. Minneapolis, MN
   Average Salary: $52,052
   Minneapolis has a strong manufacturing base that appreciates the skills of metal workers. The city's diverse industries, including medical device manufacturing and food production, often need custom metal solutions.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Minneapolis, MN
   




9. Fresno, CA
   Average Salary: $51,722
   Fresno's agricultural sector creates many job opportunities for metal workers. Equipment repairs and custom fabrication needed for farming machinery contribute to a steady demand for skilled welders.
   Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Fresno, CA
   




10. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $51,377
    Virginia Beach offers exciting opportunities for metal workers, particularly due to its military presence. Companies engaged in defense contracting frequently require metal fabrication and welding services.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Virginia Beach, VA
    

1. Vulcan Materials Company
   Average Salary: $77,893
   At Vulcan Materials Company, Welders and Fabricators play a vital role in delivering high-quality materials for construction projects. They operate across various locations in the U.S., ensuring the safety and efficiency of materials production.
   




2. A.E USA
   Average Salary: $67,133
   A.E USA offers Welders and Fabricators the chance to work on innovative projects involving metal fabrication. The company operates in multiple locations, focusing on high standards of quality while maintaining a strong safety ethic.
   




3. STI Group
   Average Salary: $65,923
   Welders and Fabricators at STI Group contribute to projects in the oil, gas, and industrial sectors. The company has a presence in several regions, providing opportunities to work on large-scale installations and repairs.
   




4. Kindness General Contractors, LLC
   Average Salary: $62,559
   Kindness General Contractors, LLC hires Welders and Fabricators for various construction and renovation projects. They ensure skilled craftsmanship in multiple locations throughout the U.S., valuing quality and teamwork.
   




5. SAFE Boats International
   Average Salary: $61,861
   At SAFE Boats International, Welders and Fabricators are essential for constructing specialized boats. The company operates primarily in the maritime sector and values precision and innovation in their welding processes.
   




6. Vigor, LLC
   Average Salary: $58,155
   Vigor, LLC employs Welders and Fabricators to support their shipbuilding and repair operations. They work mainly along the Pacific Coast, focusing on delivering high-quality maritime services.
   




7. Badger Technical Services
   Average Salary: $58,000
   Welders and Fabricators at Badger Technical Services work on a variety of projects that require precision and expertise. The company operates in different U.S. states, emphasizing quality and reliability in their services.
   




8. Sierra Pacific Industries
   Average Salary: $57,690
   Sierra Pacific Industries offers opportunities for Welders and Fabricators primarily in the lumber and wood products industry. They value skilled workers who can contribute to high-quality production across several locations.
   




9. Advantech Industries, Inc.
   Average Salary: $56,000
   At Advantech Industries, Inc., Welders and Fabricators work on diverse industrial projects. The company focuses on innovation and quality while providing services across multiple locations.
   




10. Icon Industrial
    Average Salary: $56,000
    Icon Industrial hires Welders and Fabricators for various construction and manufacturing projects. Operating in multiple regions, the company emphasizes quality workmanship and a commitment to safety.
    

Earning more as a Welder or Fabricator involves a mix of skills, experience, and professional development. Here are some effective ways to boost your income:

1. Gain Certifications: Earning additional welding certifications improves your skills and makes you more attractive to employers. Certifications like AWS or ASME can lead to higher-paying jobs.
2. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on specialized fields such as underwater welding, aerospace fabrication, or pipe welding. These areas often pay more due to the skills needed.
3. Improve Your Skills: Continuously seek training to enhance your welding techniques and knowledge. Attending workshops or industry classes keeps you current with new technologies and practices.
4. Network Within the Industry: Building connections can help you learn about higher-paying opportunities. Attend industry events and engage with professionals online.
5. Consider Overtime and Higher Pay Locations: Look for jobs that offer overtime or are based in regions where demand for welders is high. These positions often come with increased pay rates.