How much does a Welder/Fabricator make?
Welders and fabricators play a key role in building structures and products. They earn a good living doing it. The average yearly salary for this job is around $48,931. This means, on average, a welder/fabricator can expect to earn a solid income.
Salary can vary based on experience and location. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:
- Entry-level: Around $35,745
- Mid-level: Around $42,322
- Experienced: Around $48,900
- Highly experienced: Around $65,343
What are the highest paying cities for a Welder/Fabricator?

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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $70,737
In Virginia Beach, skilled tradespeople find many opportunities in construction and manufacturing. The local economy supports a variety of projects that need expert welders. Companies like Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems often seek qualified fabricators.
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Reno, NV
Average Salary: $68,184
Reno offers a growing market for construction and manufacturing jobs. The city’s diverse industries, including automotive and aerospace, need experienced welders. Firms like NV Energy and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. look for talented fabricators.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $64,860
Seattle boasts a thriving job market for those in the welding and fabrication trades. The city’s booming tech and maritime sectors create many opportunities. Companies such as Boeing and Amazon Web Services regularly need skilled welders.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $64,185
Portland has a strong demand for welders in both construction and manufacturing. The city’s vibrant arts and tourism industries also need skilled fabricators. Companies like Oregon Iron Works and various local breweries offer good positions.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $62,667
Los Angeles offers diverse opportunities for welding professionals. The city’s film industry, alongside construction and manufacturing, needs skilled welders. Employers like Lockheed Martin and major construction firms often look for experienced fabricators.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $56,751
Baltimore has a steady need for welders in its maritime, construction, and manufacturing sectors. The port and shipbuilding industries create many job openings. Companies such as General Dynamics NASSCO look for skilled fabricators.
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Midland, TX
Average Salary: $56,632
Midland offers many opportunities for welders in its strong oil and gas sector. The city’s economic growth leads to a high demand for skilled fabricators. Companies like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips regularly seek experienced professionals.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $56,114
Rochester’s diverse manufacturing base creates a steady demand for welders. The city’s tech and healthcare sectors also need skilled fabricators. Eastman Kodak and local manufacturing firms offer good job prospects.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $55,972
Philadelphia has a rich industrial history that supports many welding and fabrication jobs. The city’s strong maritime and manufacturing sectors need skilled professionals. Companies like Boeing and various shipyards look for experienced welders.
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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $55,692
Syracuse offers good opportunities for welders in its manufacturing and construction industries. The city’s diverse economic base creates many job openings. Companies like General Electric and local fabrication firms need skilled fabricators.
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What are the best companies a Welder/Fabricator can work for?

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Vigor, LLC
Average Salary: $71,529
Vigor, LLC offers excellent Welder/Fabricator positions with a focus on ship building and repair. Based in Portland, Oregon, and other locations, they provide diverse and challenging projects for skilled professionals.
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SAFE Boats International
Average Salary: $67,927
SAFE Boats International specializes in safety equipment fabrication. They have locations in Washington State and North Carolina. Their work involves advanced techniques in welding and fabrication, providing a rewarding career path.
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Timken
Average Salary: $62,385
At Timken, Welder/Fabricators work in various industries, including aerospace and automotive. With locations in North America and beyond, they offer a dynamic environment for skilled workers.
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Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc.
Average Salary: $61,050
Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. provides industrial fabrication services. They have offices in Michigan and Indiana. Employees enjoy a supportive atmosphere and a variety of projects.
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Paramount Placement
Average Salary: $58,214
Paramount Placement connects skilled welders and fabricators with companies across the country. Their network helps professionals find opportunities in various industries and locations.
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The Dupps Company
Average Salary: $57,071
The Dupps Company offers fabrication services with a focus on custom metal projects. Located in California, they provide a range of job opportunities for skilled welders and fabricators.
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US TECH FORCE
Average Salary: $54,559
US TECH FORCE places Welder/Fabricators in various industries, including construction and manufacturing. They have a nationwide presence, helping professionals find positions in different regions.
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Valmont Industries
Average Salary: $54,018
Valmont Industries provides structural fabrication services, focusing on wind energy and infrastructure. With locations across the United States, they offer a stable and growing career path for welders and fabricators.
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Veritas Steel, LLC
Average Salary: $52,908
Veritas Steel, LLC specializes in steel fabrication and construction. They have offices in the Midwest and offer opportunities for welders and fabricators to work on large-scale projects.
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Entegee
Average Salary: $52,411
Entegee offers a variety of fabrication and welding services, working with industries such as aerospace and energy. They have locations in the United States and Canada, providing diverse career opportunities.
How to earn more as a Welder/Fabricator?
Earning more as a welder or fabricator often depends on several key factors. These factors can help increase job opportunities and salary potential. Improving skills and certifications stands out as one of the most crucial elements. Specialized skills like MIG, TIG, or stick welding can open doors to higher-paying positions. Similarly, obtaining certifications such as those from the American Welding Society (AWS) can boost credibility and earning power.
Another significant factor is gaining experience. Working in various industries such as construction, automotive, or shipbuilding provides valuable experience. This diverse experience makes a welder or fabricator more versatile and desirable to employers. Location also plays a role. Areas with a high demand for skilled labor often offer higher wages. Urban centers and industrial hubs usually provide better pay and more job opportunities. Networking with industry professionals can lead to discovering hidden job openings and negotiating better salaries. Attending trade shows, joining welding associations, and participating in online forums can facilitate valuable connections. Finally, considering career advancement opportunities such as supervisory roles or teaching can lead to higher earnings. These positions require additional responsibilities but also come with increased pay.
By focusing on these factors, a welder or fabricator can enhance their career and increase their income potential.
- Specialized Skills
- Certifications
- Experience
- Location
- Networking



