There are many different positions and equivalent salaries to go along with them. According to payscale.com salaries for a standard welder, solder, or brazer can range $26,220 to $33,610. This is dependent primarily on state of employment.
Here is a breakdown over average yearly incomes for welders in specific states:
California $27,560 per year
Texas $26,220 per year
Pennsylvania $27,170 per year
Michigan $33,610 per year
Wisconsin $28,170 per year
Pay scale may also depend on the actual position a welder holds and the place of business employed at. Many welders belong to unions that provide protection and work to negotiate higher wages and increased benefits. Some of the Union organizations may include: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Ship Builders.
With the increase of responsibility comes a higher salary. Many welders seek to pursue positions in higher levels of management. Welders have the opportunity to advance based on performance in many traditional manufacturing shops and companies. Outside the traditional employment, many welders choose to seek careers as welding technician, supervisors, inspectors or instructors.
If a welder wishes to pursue advancement, it is possible to earn a bigger increase in salary. One spot to advance to is the position of a Welding Engineer. Welding engineers are responsible for correcting any problems that may have occurred in the original production. They have added duties and many more responsibilities and therefore earn a more substantial salary.
Differences in salaries will also be reflected in the specific position and the actual task being accomplished. Welders who work in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing, earn an average of $16.47 per hour. Those who choose fields such as agriculture, construction and mining machinery manufacturing earn an estimated $14.12 an hour. Welders who choose careers in a more specific field like architectural and structural metals manufacturing can expect to earn anywhere between $13.50-$14.00 per hour. Commercial and industry machinery and equipment repair and maintenance welders earn the lowest of the pay scale. Their hourly wage is roughly $13.45
Once again these figures are based on national averages. Each city, state and company may employ at different rates. Experience and education also play a large role in yearly earnings so it is important to do research. Determine the type of welding, the specifics and the region that is best suited. Continued education and a desire to learn more is more than likely going to affect the earnings also.
