Welder: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Welders earn a national median of $51,000/yr with 2.2% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Production and Processing, Mechanical, Mathematics.

Median Salary

$51,000

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

2.2%

Slower than average

Employed Nationally

424,040

2024 data

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Welder

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Welder candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Quality Control Analysis 2 Monitoring 3 Critical Thinking 4 Judgment and Decision Making 5 Operations Monitoring 6 Time Management 7 Active Listening 8 Speaking 9 Operation and Control 10 Reading Comprehension

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Welder performance, based on verified occupational data.

Production and Processing Mechanical Mathematics English Language Design

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 2.2% for Welder roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
424,040
Projected Growth
2.2%
Typical Education
High school diploma or equivalent

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Welder do?
Welders apply expertise in Production and Processing, Mechanical, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Quality Control Analysis, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making.
How much does a Welder make?
The national median salary for a Welder is $51,000 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Welder a good career in 2026?
Employment for Welder roles is projected to grow 2.2% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 424,040 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Welder?
The typical entry-level education for a Welder is High school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Welders need?
The most important skills for Welder roles based on verified occupational data: Quality Control Analysis, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Operations Monitoring, Time Management, Active Listening, Speaking, Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.