Curious about where a career in welding can take you financially in the coming year? Welding is growing steadily, so welding salary trends are becoming more critical to experienced and new professionals. Because so many industries like construction, manufacturing and energy need skilled welders, the demand for workers is growing, wages are rising, and there are more opportunities available.
If you plan to enter welding or already work as a welder and want to increase what you earn, being aware of future pay trends is necessary. We will discuss the most recent welding salary trends, the factors that affect them and the places with the best-paying jobs.
Many experienced tradespeople are inquiring: will the pay they get increase enough to match rising prices next year? With inflation eating away at our day-to-day spending, it’s not surprising to wonder about this. Even with a promising welding salary forecast, the answer varies depending on your job site, your expertise and how you’re employed.
If you look closer, you’ll see what you need to do to improve.
New data projects that welder salaries in 2025 will increase by 4–6% for most states. Still, inflation is about 3–4%, so real wage increases are not significant unless you are in a popular job. In cases where someone specialises in welding, they may get a higher increase than inflation.
Wages and salaries grew by 3.4% over the year in March 2025 compared to the previous year, but inflation-adjusted (real) wages and salaries went up by only 1.0%.
Salaries differ considerably from region to region. For instance, because there are numerous infrastructure projects and a lack of welders, Philadelphia’s average welder pay has gone up sharply. Other states, especially those like Alaska, Texas and California, are showing substantial increases in oil, gas and aerospace projects.
Underwater, pipeline and aerospace welders may discover that their earnings consistently go higher than the rate of inflation. A career in these branches requires more qualifications and experience, but the rewards are usually high, often exceeding six figures a year.
Negotiations for wages go better for union welders, since they are paid more. According to Philadelphia union welders, they get paid about 20% more than non-union welders. Still, acting without a union means you have greater flexibility and can find many freelance projects to earn extra money.
There is a hot job market for welding in 2025, and it’s not all due to the sparks in workshops. Due to government investments, shifts in demographics, and technological advancements, the industry is undergoing significant changes. Knowing these trends gives you the ability to prepare for your next job.
The passage of federal and state infrastructure bills has increased demand for skilled welders. Experienced tradesmen are needed for roadways, bridges and green energy projects, which ensures a secure job and better pay.
Many of those working in welding are now quickly approaching retirement age. It allows more opportunities for young welders to advance to mid-level and senior roles. The result? More income and quicker career progression are available to those who hold the proper certificates.
Although some routine welding work is replaced by automation, it also brings new chances. Robotic systems are widely used, so skilled individuals who can operate and maintain such equipment are in high demand. To be more specific, these roles are often well-compensated in the welding industry.
Moves in the international supply chain are causing manufacturing to return to the U.S., which is good news for welding careers.
In Philadelphia, especially, increased demand for local production is creating more job openings in fabrication and pipefitting.
Let’s look at the numbers. Every welder, regardless of their career length, can use average welder pay to see if their current income is a match for their work and what they need to get ahead.
First-time welders make around $40,000 to $50,000 every year, and those with more experience earn $60,000 to $75,000. How much a welder or supervisor earns depends on their special skills and certifications, and the pay in this range is pretty standard.
The states of Alaska and North Dakota show the best results, making welders earn salaries of more than $80,000 on average. Because of higher union membership in Philadelphia and plenty of welding work, the average wage for welders is slightly higher throughout the country.
By May 2025, welders in the United States will be paid on average $22.26 an hour and some can earn as much as $31.25 an hour.
Getting advanced certifications, for example, in AWS or ASME, can add an additional $10,000 or more to your yearly pay for welding jobs. Gaining a specialised certificate in pipefitting or welding at higher pressure can put your earnings above the market average.
Certified Welders (CW) usually make $23 per hour, and this rate can go up to $32 per hour depending on their experience and skills.
Many use other means of work, such as side jobs or freelance projects, to earn extra money. Welding in pipeline and construction projects can bring in over $100,000 a year if a person does full-time work and extra gigs.
How can you tell which certificates are significant for you financially and for your career? These are the factors successful welders mention as key to a higher welding salary.
AWS certification is recognised worldwide and enables individuals to work in various industries. Most decent-paying work in the industry requires it, and having a degree can add thousands to a welder’s annual salary.
Aerospace welding, pipefitting, and underwater welding expert certifications are well-paid. This allows you to work on challenging projects where there is no place for errors, and you will be well compensated.
Among industries, welder jobs in aerospace, oil & gas, and infrastructure can pay well. Certification and experience usually mean you can make double the income in industries like aerospace or automotive compared to regular fabrication or maintenance work.
Self-marketing and dealing with industrial projects as a self-employed welder may result in higher earnings than traditional jobs. The catch? Having strong business skills and a lot of drive will help you. Nevertheless, when you do it correctly, it dramatically increases your income.
Welders are likely to earn more in 2025, especially if they are certified, highly skilled, and keep up with local wage changes. Either by seeking higher pay in Philadelphia or adding side jobs and certifications here, welders in Philadelphia have clear opportunities to earn more money. Stay trained, remain ahead of technology that replaces workers, and discover where career options are growing. Getting a well-paid welding career has become easier than ever.
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