How much does a Welder/Fabricator make?
A welder/fabricator plays a key role in many industries, from construction to manufacturing. This skilled professional earns a solid income. The average yearly salary for a welder/fabricator is around $48,369. This figure reflects the value of their skills and the demand for their work.
Welders/fabricators can see their salaries vary based on experience and location. Entry-level positions may start at around $35,000 per year. As experience grows, so does the salary. Those with more than 10 years in the field can earn upwards of $70,000 annually. This progression shows a clear path for career growth and financial stability. The highest-paying industries for welders/fabricators include aerospace, oil and gas, and heavy machinery manufacturing. These sectors often offer higher wages due to the complexity and demand of the work.
What are the highest paying cities for a Welder/Fabricator?
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Reno, NV
Average Salary: $65,889
In Reno, skilled tradespeople find many opportunities. Companies like Sierra Nevada Corporation offer great jobs. The demand for welding and fabrication is steady.
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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $63,965
Virginia Beach has a strong need for welding talent. Local companies like BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman provide many job openings. The area offers a good quality of life.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $62,971
Seattle is a hub for maritime and aerospace industries. Companies like Boeing and Washington State Ferries need skilled welders. The city offers a vibrant job market.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $60,507
Portland has a growing demand for welding professionals. Local companies like Columbia Sportswear and Nike need skilled fabricators. The city offers a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $60,484
Santa Rosa offers a mix of agriculture and technology industries. Companies like Tesla and local wineries need welding expertise. The area provides a pleasant living environment.
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Baton Rouge, LA
Average Salary: $59,738
Baton Rouge has a strong need for welding talent in the oil and gas sector. Companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil offer many job opportunities. The city offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $57,909
Los Angeles offers a diverse job market for welders. Companies like Northrop Grumman and various local businesses need skilled fabricators. The city offers a vibrant, dynamic environment.
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Birmingham, AL
Average Salary: $57,422
Birmingham has a strong demand for welding professionals. Companies like Mercedes-Benz and local aerospace firms need skilled fabricators. The city offers a growing job market.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $56,634
Fresno offers many opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing. Companies like Valley Children's Healthcare and local farms need welding talent. The area provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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Midland, TX
Average Salary: $56,601
Midland has a strong demand for welding professionals in the oil and gas sector. Companies like ExxonMobil and local refineries need skilled fabricators. The city offers a friendly, community-oriented environment.
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What are the best companies a Welder/Fabricator can work for?
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Vigor, LLC
Average Salary: $68,814
Vigor, LLC offers competitive salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in various locations, including Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. They focus on marine and industrial construction, providing a dynamic work environment.
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SAFE Boats International
Average Salary: $66,711
SAFE Boats International provides a good salary for Welder/Fabricator positions. They are based in Washington and California, specializing in boat building and marine services. Employees enjoy a stable and rewarding career.
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Paramount Placement
Average Salary: $64,231
Paramount Placement offers attractive salaries for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in multiple states, including Texas and Florida. Their focus on industrial and commercial projects ensures a variety of job opportunities.
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Eastman Kodak
Average Salary: $62,000
Eastman Kodak provides a solid salary for Welder/Fabricator roles. They are located in Rochester, New York. Their work in manufacturing and technology offers a stable and innovative work environment.
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Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc.
Average Salary: $59,024
Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. offers a good salary for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in Michigan and Ohio. Their focus on custom metal fabrication provides a diverse range of projects.
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The Kelly Group
Average Salary: $57,079
The Kelly Group offers competitive salaries for Welder/Fabricator positions. They are located in several states, including Illinois and Indiana. Their work in industrial and commercial projects ensures a variety of job opportunities.
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Advantech Industries, Inc.
Average Salary: $56,000
Advantech Industries, Inc. provides a good salary for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in California and Arizona. Their focus on aerospace and defense projects offers a challenging and rewarding career.
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Entegee
Average Salary: $56,000
Entegee offers a competitive salary for Welder/Fabricator roles. They are located in several states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Their work in industrial and commercial projects ensures a variety of job opportunities.
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Vollrath Company
Average Salary: $55,059
Vollrath Company provides a good salary for Welder/Fabricator jobs. They operate in Wisconsin and Texas. Their focus on food service equipment manufacturing offers a stable and rewarding career.
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The Dupps Company
Average Salary: $54,725
The Dupps Company offers a competitive salary for Welder/Fabricator positions. They operate in several states, including New York and New Jersey. Their focus on industrial and commercial projects ensures a variety of job opportunities.
How to earn more as a Welder/Fabricator?
A welder/fabricator can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience and expertise in specialized welding techniques can lead to higher-paying jobs. For example, working with advanced materials like titanium or stainless steel often requires specific skills that command higher wages. Another way to earn more is by obtaining additional certifications. Certifications from recognized bodies such as the American Welding Society (AWS) can make a welder/fabricator more attractive to employers and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
Location also plays a significant role in earning potential. Urban areas and regions with high industrial activity typically offer higher wages for welders/fabricators. Taking on night shifts, weekend work, or overtime can also increase earnings. Lastly, seeking out roles in industries with a high demand for skilled welders/fabricators, such as aerospace or oil and gas, can lead to better-paying positions. By focusing on these areas, a welder/fabricator can enhance their career and increase their income.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a welder/fabricator:
- Gain specialized skills and techniques.
- Obtain additional certifications from recognized bodies.
- Work in high-demand locations or industries.
- Take on night shifts, weekend work, or overtime.
- Seek out roles in industries with a high demand for skilled welders/fabricators.
