How much does a Welder/Fabricator make?
A welder/fabricator can expect to earn a solid income in the job market. The average yearly salary for this role is $48,726. Salaries range from $35,500 to $70,740 depending on experience and location. This means there is a lot of room for growth in this field.
Many factors affect a welder/fabricator's salary. These include years of experience, skills, and the industry they work in. Here are some common salary ranges based on experience:
- Entry-level: $35,500 - $38,704
- Intermediate: $41,907 - $45,111
- Experienced: $48,315 - $64,333
- Senior: $67,536 - $70,740
What are the highest paying cities for a Welder/Fabricator?

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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $69,085
In Virginia Beach, skilled fabricators and welders enjoy a thriving job market. With many local shipyards and manufacturing firms, professionals find steady work. Companies like BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman offer opportunities for career growth.
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Reno, NV
Average Salary: $64,315
Reno offers a dynamic environment for welders and fabricators. The city’s strong construction and manufacturing sectors provide many job openings. With businesses like Tesla and various construction firms, there are ample chances for career advancement.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $63,074
Seattle boasts a robust market for welders and fabricators. The city’s booming tech and aerospace industries create steady demand. Professionals can find work with companies such as Boeing and Amazon, enjoying competitive salaries and benefits.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $61,874
In Portland, the demand for skilled fabricators and welders is on the rise. The city’s diverse economy, with sectors like construction and manufacturing, offers numerous job opportunities. Companies such as Voodoo Brewery and Nike provide a stable work environment.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $58,800
Los Angeles presents a vibrant job scene for welding and fabricating professionals. The city’s film industry and large-scale construction projects offer diverse opportunities. Firms like Disney and various construction companies provide a dynamic work environment.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $56,488
Baltimore’s economy offers many jobs for welders and fabricators. The city’s maritime industry and manufacturing sector are key employers. Professionals can find work with companies like General Dynamics and the US Navy Shipyard.
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Baton Rouge, LA
Average Salary: $56,041
In Baton Rouge, the job market for fabricators and welders is strong, with opportunities in both manufacturing and energy sectors. Companies like ExxonMobil and various local manufacturers offer stable employment options.
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Midland, TX
Average Salary: $55,939
Midland’s economy thrives on oil and gas, providing many jobs for welders and fabricators. The city’s industrial sector offers steady employment. Professionals can find work with companies like Chevron and ConocoPhillips.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $55,922
Philadelphia offers a robust job market for welding and fabricating professionals. The city’s diverse industries, including manufacturing and construction, provide steady opportunities. Companies like Siemens and various local firms offer good career prospects.
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Birmingham, AL
Average Salary: $55,160
Birmingham’s job market is strong for fabricators and welders, with opportunities in manufacturing and automotive sectors. Local companies like U.S. Steel and various automotive firms offer stable employment.
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What are the best companies a Welder/Fabricator can work for?

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Vigor, LLC
Average Salary: $69,745
Vigor, LLC offers exciting opportunities for Welder/Fabricators in various locations across the U.S. Their projects often include shipbuilding and marine construction. This company values skilled fabricators who can handle complex welding tasks.
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SAFE Boats International
Average Salary: $66,787
SAFE Boats International provides Welder/Fabricator positions in Seattle, Washington, and Florida. They are known for their work on custom yachts and commercial vessels. Working here means being part of a team that values craftsmanship and safety.
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Paramount Placement
Average Salary: $64,231
Paramount Placement offers competitive salaries for Welder/Fabricators in locations such as California and Texas. They specialize in industrial and commercial fabrication. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment and the chance to work on diverse projects.
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Eastman Kodak
Average Salary: $62,833
Eastman Kodak offers Welder/Fabricator roles in Rochester, New York. They focus on advanced imaging products. This company values precision and attention to detail in their welding and fabrication work.
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Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc.
Average Salary: $59,324
Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. provides jobs in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. They work on a variety of projects including custom metal fabrication. This company emphasizes quality and innovation in their work.
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The Kelly Group
Average Salary: $57,289
The Kelly Group offers positions for Welder/Fabricators in the Midwest. They focus on heavy equipment fabrication. The company values teamwork and a strong work ethic.
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Advantech Industries, Inc.
Average Salary: $56,000
Advantech Industries, Inc. provides opportunities in California and Florida. They specialize in industrial automation equipment. Working here means being part of a dynamic team that values innovation and precision.
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Vollrath Company
Average Salary: $54,779
Vollrath Company offers jobs in Wisconsin and Texas. They focus on manufacturing food service equipment. The company values skilled fabricators who can meet tight production schedules.
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The Dupps Company
Average Salary: $54,595
The Dupps Company provides positions in North Carolina and Florida. They specialize in custom metal fabrication for various industries. This company values craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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US TECH FORCE
Average Salary: $54,563
US TECH FORCE offers jobs in various locations across the U.S. They focus on industrial and commercial fabrication. The company values skilled fabricators who can handle diverse projects.
How to earn more as a Welder/Fabricator?
Welders and fabricators can increase their earnings through several key strategies. Each of these factors plays an important role in boosting both skill and market value. By focusing on these areas, welders can move up the pay scale and find more lucrative opportunities.
First, advancing technical skills leads to higher pay. Learning new welding techniques and mastering advanced equipment can open doors to more complex projects. Certifications in specialized welding methods, such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, add credibility and value. These skills allow welders to tackle challenging tasks and command higher rates. Second, gaining experience in various industries, such as construction, automotive, or aerospace, makes a welder more versatile. Employers value workers who can handle diverse tasks, leading to better job offers and more significant paychecks.
Third, continuous learning and training improve job prospects. Attending workshops, seminars, and online courses keep skills sharp and up-to-date. Fourth, networking with other professionals in the industry creates job leads and opportunities for collaboration. Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying jobs and career advancements. Lastly, seeking out roles with responsibilities like supervision or project management can lead to higher salaries. These positions often require more experience and leadership skills, both of which can increase earnings.
To earn more, welders should focus on these key factors:
- Enhance technical skills
- Gain experience in various industries
- Pursue continuous learning and training
- Build a strong professional network
- Seek supervisory or management roles



