Switzerland pays its welders quite well, earning CHF 115,000. In the United States, the average salary for welders is around $43,000. In Canada, they earn on average $41,000 each year. In the United Kingdom, welders earn $33,000 on average. In Norway, they make $48,000 each year. The salary is higher in Australia at $55,000.
The European labour market seeks experienced welders, offering attractive conditions. The highest-paid perform complex tasks with advanced metal knowledge, specialized skills and more experience. The lowest-paid earn less than $26 an hour.
Many people regard France as the best country to go to for establishing a promising career in welding, with salaries ranging between $80,000 to $0.1 million per year. Countries in need of welders include Australia, Canada, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Korea.
United States: A Closer Look
The highest-paying area for welders is Southwestern Alaska with $73,510 per year. Southeastern Alaska averages $57,560 yearly. Jobs near Washington, D.C. average $58,040 yearly. The oil and gas industries have facilities in southern U.S. states like Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, needing skilled welders.
The average welder’s salary is $42,000. Most entry-level welders earn $17 hourly.
Opportunities for High Pay
Where are opportunities greatest? Industrial shutdown welders travel to temporary plant shutdowns and can earn over $100,000 yearly. TIG welders use manual and semi-automatic machines and also earn a handsome salary.
Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota offer the highest wages. But cost of living affects pay. Southwestern Alaska tops at $43.83 hourly. Hawaii follows at $39.75 hourly. North Dakota averages $39.05 hourly for the top 10 percent.