Welder/Fabricator Salaries

Welders and fabricators enjoy a steady income that reflects their skills and experience. On average, a welder/fabricator earns about $46,482 per year. However, salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, and specific job responsibilities.

Entry-level positions often start around $33,000 annually. With a few years of experience, one can expect to earn between $36,182 and $48,909. Mid-career professionals typically earn from $52,091 to $61,636 as they gain more expertise and take on additional responsibilities.

Top earners in this field can make up to $68,000 a year. This range shows that with dedication and skill development, welders and fabricators can achieve a prosperous career while enjoying the satisfaction of their work.

1. San Jose, CA
   Average Salary: $71,058
   San Jose offers a vibrant job market for metal workers. Major companies in the area, such as Lockheed Martin and Cisco, regularly seek skilled craftspeople to bring their projects to life.
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2. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $57,276
   Seattle is known for its strong manufacturing sector. With companies like Boeing and various shipyards in the region, skilled individuals can find many opportunities in the welding and fabrication field.
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3. Santa Rosa, CA
   Average Salary: $57,020
   Santa Rosa, part of the beautiful Wine Country, has a growing industrial base. Local businesses appreciate the craftsmanship of metal workers, especially in construction and custom design projects.
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4. Provo, UT
   Average Salary: $54,008
   Provo boasts a strong community of tech and manufacturing firms. Companies in the Provo region value reliable and skilled metal workers to support their innovative projects.
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5. Baton Rouge, LA
   Average Salary: $53,768
   Baton Rouge is a hub for the energy sector with many industrial projects underway. Local companies actively need welders to help build and maintain equipment in this thriving industry.
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6. Reno, NV
   Average Salary: $53,464
   Reno's manufacturing scene is expanding, with many firms in need of skilled metal workers. The area's growth offers plenty of job opportunities for those looking to make their mark in fabrication.
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7. Chicago, IL
   Average Salary: $52,741
   Chicago's rich industrial history continues to thrive. The city hosts numerous manufacturing companies that consistently look for skilled welders to support their vast projects across various sectors.
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8. Minneapolis, MN
   Average Salary: $52,166
   Minneapolis offers a diverse job market and plenty of opportunities for metal workers. The presence of strong manufacturing firms means there is a steady demand for those with welding skills.
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9. Little Rock, AR
   Average Salary: $52,089
   Little Rock's growing industrial sector presents great opportunities for metal workers. Local companies in construction and manufacturing often seek talented professionals to join their teams.
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10. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $51,722
    Fresno has a booming agricultural industry that often requires skilled metal workers for machinery repairs and construction. Opportunities abound in this vibrant city for those trained in fabrication.
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1. Vulcan Materials Company
   Average Salary: $79,311
   Vulcan Materials Company offers competitive salaries for Welders and Fabricators. With operations across the United States, employees work on vital construction materials. Job locations include major cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham, and Dallas.
   




2. A.E USA
   Average Salary: $67,133
   A.E USA provides promising opportunities for Welders and Fabricators. They operate in key sectors including aerospace and defense, primarily in locations like Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The company values skilled workmanship and offers solid pay.
   




3. STI Group
   Average Salary: $65,923
   STI Group focuses on industrial services and hosts a variety of projects for Welders and Fabricators. They work mainly in Texas and Louisiana, providing a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and offers good pay.
   




4. Kindness General Contractors, LLC
   Average Salary: $62,559
   Kindness General Contractors, LLC employs Welders and Fabricators in their construction projects. They operate in the Midwest, providing opportunities for craftsmanship in commercial and residential sectors, ensuring competitive wages.
   




5. SAFE Boats International
   Average Salary: $61,800
   SAFE Boats International specializes in boat manufacturing, employing Welders and Fabricators. Their locations primarily include Washington state, and they emphasize quality craftsmanship, supporting workers with decent pay and benefits.
   




6. Vigor, LLC
   Average Salary: $59,117
   Vigor, LLC specializes in diverse industrial sectors including shipbuilding. They are based in the Pacific Northwest, primarily in Oregon and Washington, and offer fair salaries to Welders and Fabricators who contribute to innovative projects.
   




7. Badger Technical Services
   Average Salary: $58,000
   Badger Technical Services provides versatile job opportunities for Welders and Fabricators in multiple industries. Operating mainly in the Midwest, they emphasize skill advancement and competitive wages for their workforce.
   




8. Sierra Pacific Industries
   Average Salary: $56,689
   Sierra Pacific Industries offers a stable working environment for Welders and Fabricators in the lumber industry. They have locations across California and Washington, providing jobs that support sustainable practices and come with good salaries.
   




9. Advantech Industries, Inc.
   Average Salary: $56,000
   Advantech Industries, Inc. focuses on production and manufacturing roles for Welders and Fabricators. Based in various regions in the Midwest, their commitment to quality ensures competitive pay in related positions.
   




10. Icon Industrial
    Average Salary: $56,000
    Icon Industrial specializes in industrial projects and provides job opportunities for Welders and Fabricators. They operate in several states across the U.S., offering competitive salaries while contributing to impactful construction work.
    

To earn more as a Welder/Fabricator, consider these important factors:

1. Gain Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications in welding can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Look for courses that specialize in techniques like MIG, TIG, or stick welding.
2. Specialize in Niche Areas: Focusing on specific industries, such as aerospace or underwater welding, may lead to higher wages. These fields often require unique skills that are in demand.
3. Increase Your Experience: With more years on the job, you become more valuable. Seek positions that allow you to learn and take on different types of projects.
4. Negotiate Your Salary: Do not be afraid to discuss pay rates when accepting a job offer. Research average wages for your role to support your case for a higher salary.
5. Work Overtime: Many jobs offer overtime pay. Take extra hours when possible to boost your earnings. Just be sure to manage your time and health effectively.