Welder/Fabricator Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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How much does a Welder/Fabricator make?

The average salary for a Welder/Fabricator is $46,607 per year in the US.

Welders and fabricators can enjoy a rewarding salary based on their skill level and experience. The average yearly salary for this profession is approximately $46,607. As you grow in your career, you can see a wide range of earnings.


Entry-level positions start around $33,200, while those with more experience can earn significantly more. For example, a welder or fabricator with a few years of experience may make about $39,891 to $46,582. As you move further up in experience and skill, salaries can rise to $60,000 or even higher, with top earners reaching about $70,000 annually.


This means that with time and dedication, you have the opportunity to increase your earning potential in this field. Investing in your training and skill development can help you achieve a fulfilling career as a welder or fabricator.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Welder/Fabricator?

San Jose, CA offers the highest average salary for Welder/Fabricator jobs at $71,751, making it a prime location for skilled workers in this field. Seattle, WA and Santa Rosa, CA follow closely, with average salaries of $57,253 and $57,102 respectively. Consider these cities if you're looking to maximize your earning potential as a welder or fabricator.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $71,751 and Montgomery, AL with the lowest at $52,221.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $71,751
    San Jose offers a vibrant job market for skilled metalworkers. High-tech companies and manufacturing plants often seek talented individuals for their fabrication teams.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $57,253
    Seattle's booming construction and aerospace industries create strong demand for skilled metalworkers. Companies like Boeing and other manufacturers consistently look for professionals to join their teams.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $57,102
    In Santa Rosa, the growing manufacturing sector provides numerous opportunities for those trained in metalwork. Local businesses appreciate the craftsmanship and skills that qualified professionals bring.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Provo, UT
    Average Salary: $55,009
    Provo has a rising demand for metalworkers in its diverse industrial growth. Local companies value skilled artisans who can contribute to innovative projects and manufacturing processes.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Provo, UT


  5. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $53,464
    Reno's expanding economy includes various metalworking opportunities. Industries in the area often hire skilled tradespeople to support their production and construction projects.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Reno, NV


  6. Baton Rouge, LA
    Average Salary: $53,383
    Baton Rouge boasts a strong industrial base, especially in manufacturing and energy sectors. Metalworkers find ample job opportunities in these growing industries.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA


  7. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $53,360
    Chicago, a hub for manufacturing, has numerous job openings for skilled metalworkers. Major companies in the city seek experienced individuals to fulfill their fabrication needs.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Little Rock, AR
    Average Salary: $52,691
    Little Rock offers a supportive environment for metalworking professionals. Local industries, including construction and manufacturing, actively recruit skilled labor to enhance their operations.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Little Rock, AR


  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $52,347
    Minneapolis has a vibrant job market for metalworkers, especially in its manufacturing and construction sectors. Local companies look for talented individuals to help with innovative projects.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. Montgomery, AL
    Average Salary: $52,221
    Montgomery's economy provides various opportunities for metalworkers, particularly in manufacturing and repair industries. Skilled tradespeople are in high demand to support local businesses.
    Find Welder/Fabricator jobs in Montgomery, AL

What are the best companies a Welder/Fabricator can work for?

For job seekers in the welding and fabrication field, several companies stand out for their impressive pay. Vulcan Materials Company leads the way with an average salary of $79,543, followed closely by Janicki Industries at $79,000. Companies like STI Group and A.E USA also offer competitive salaries, making them strong options for those looking to advance their careers in this industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs, highlighting Vulcan Materials Company with the highest at $79,543 and Advantech Industries, Inc. with the lowest at $56,000.
  1. Vulcan Materials Company
    Average Salary: $79,543
    Vulcan Materials Company hires Welders and Fabricators to support the production of construction materials. They have locations across the United States, providing a strong job market for skilled workers.


  2. Janicki Industries
    Average Salary: $79,000
    Janicki Industries employs Welders and Fabricators mainly in the aerospace and marine industries. Their facilities, located in Washington and California, offer opportunities for innovative projects.


  3. STI Group
    Average Salary: $68,000
    STI Group focuses on the oil and gas sector, hiring Welders and Fabricators for various projects. Their workforce operates mainly in Texas and Louisiana, providing a dynamic work environment.


  4. A.E USA
    Average Salary: $67,048
    A.E USA specializes in manufacturing and services for different industries, including aerospace. Their branch locations around the U.S. offer a variety of welding jobs for skilled professionals.


  5. Vigor, LLC
    Average Salary: $65,753
    Vigor, LLC provides services to shipbuilding and repair sectors. They have facilities in Washington and Oregon, focusing on quality work for their Welders and Fabricators.


  6. SAFE Boats International
    Average Salary: $62,927
    SAFE Boats International manufactures specialized boats. Located in Washington, the company offers Welders and Fabricators a chance to work on exciting projects in the maritime industry.


  7. Kindness General Contractors, LLC
    Average Salary: $62,559
    Kindness General Contractors specializes in construction projects. Their operations across several states create a variety of opportunities for Welders and Fabricators within the construction industry.


  8. Badger Technical Services
    Average Salary: $58,000
    Badger Technical Services focuses on engineering and technical services. They have locations in various states, providing a supportive environment for Welders and Fabricators seeking steady employment.


  9. Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc.
    Average Salary: $56,064
    Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. connects Welders and Fabricators with industries in need of their skills. Their company serves multiple locations, matching talented workers with job opportunities.


  10. Advantech Industries, Inc.
    Average Salary: $56,000
    Advantech Industries, Inc. provides comprehensive services and products for various sectors. Their hiring of Welders and Fabricators occurs mainly in their locations across the United States.

How to earn more as a Welder/Fabricator?

As a Welder/Fabricator, you can boost your earnings by focusing on certain key factors. Here are five ways to help you earn more in your career:

  • Gain Certification: Becoming certified in specialized welding techniques can make you more valuable. It shows employers that you have advanced skills.
  • Learn New Skills: Master additional skills such as CNC machining or blueprint reading. This expands your capabilities and opens doors to higher-paying jobs.
  • Choose In-Demand Industries: Industries like aerospace, construction, and energy often pay more for welders. Consider targeting these sectors for better job opportunities.
  • Gain Experience: The more experience you have, the more you can charge. Look for apprenticeship programs or entry-level jobs to build your skills and resume.
  • Network: Build relationships with other professionals in your field. Networking can lead to better job offers and referrals, increasing your chances of higher pay.

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Welder/Fabricator
1,272 Job Openings