Are you looking to take up welding and make a well-paying career for yourself? If so, you must want to know about the highest paid welding jobs in the industry.
According to 2019 research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welding, soldering, and brazing workers in the USA earned an average annual salary of $43,140. The top 10% of welders reported earning more than $78,660 that same year. But which welding job brings in the highest pay?
Read on to find out!
What is the Highest Paid Welding Job?
Welding is a rewarding and fulfilling trade that can provide individuals with a steady and lucrative career.Welders can choose from a array of career options, ranging from gaseous metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, pipe welding, and more. While most welders make good money, some positions can pay significantly more than others and can enable those individuals to make a very lucrative salary. So what is the highest paid welding job?
Overview of the Your Welding Options
Welders have an array of career options from which to choose from. Some of these positions include:- Gaseous Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): This is a form of welding which uses an arc to create a continuous electric arc between an electrode and the base material.
GMAW is a popular method for welding metals such as aluminum and stainless steel.
- Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This form of welding uses an electrode with a flux core. SMAW is commonly used for welding dense metals such as steel and alloys.
- Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): FCAW is a wire welding process wherein a continuously fed tubular electrode with a flux-cored process is used. Common metals welded with FCAW include aluminum, steel, and alloys.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): This is the most common arc welding process.
It is an expensive process, but it is effective for welding aluminum, copper, titanium, and specialty alloys.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): This is a form of welding that uses an arc welding process to create a bond between two pieces of metal.
GMAW is often used to weld steel, aluminum, and other alloys.
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW): Submerged arc welding is a form of arc welding wherein the welding is done under a layer of a flux-powder. It is often used for welding thicker materials, such as steel.
- Pipe Welding: This form of welding involves welding pipes and fittings for oil, gas and water. It is a specialized skill and requires a high level of skill.
Which Welding Job Pays Best?
The type of welding job and the location of the job will determine an individual’s salary. Overall, welders with more experience and specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The highest paying welding jobs are those in oil, nuclear, and shipbuilding industries. Welders in these industries can earn up to $80,000 a year or more depending on experience and skill level. The following table gives an overview of the average wages for several welding positions:| Position | Average Wage |
|---|---|
| GMAW Welder | $45,000 |
| FCAW Welder | $38,000 |
| GTAW Welder | $54,000 |
| SMAW Welder | $44,400 |
| Submarine Welder | $62,000 |
| Pipe Welder | $56,000 |