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What is the pay as a beginner welder ?

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Daniel’s Answer

Sure, the pay you might receive for a welding job can depend on several factors. These include the job's location, the type of welding required, your personal experience, and maybe a couple of other aspects. I'm based in the Midwest, and I've seen jobs that start at $14 an hour, but there are also others that start at $35 an hour or even higher. A good step to get a clearer picture would be to search for welding jobs in various areas and check out their starting rates. This should give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect.
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Tim’s Answer

Hi Laila!

Welding can be a lucrative career, with your earnings largely depending on where you're based and your level of expertise. Generally, manufacturing jobs that need welders might not pay as much as those that require specialized skills, like pipe welding or sanitary welding for food production, and are often on a contract basis.

Remember, salaries can vary based on location due to differences in the cost of living. For instance, you might earn more in the northern parts of the country compared to the south and midwest. If you're just starting out in welding or have recently graduated from a welding school, you might find yourself in a manufacturing plant making vehicles or equipment. These jobs usually start at around $15-20 per hour, especially for MIG welding roles. However, if you have more experience with stick or TIG welding, you could see a significant increase in your pay.

In my own experience, TIG welding, particularly pipe welding, tends to offer some of the highest wages. But if you're just starting out, you can expect to earn around $15-20 per hour. My first welding job was in 2006 with Great Dane Trailers, where I started at $12.50 per hour. After four years, just before the plant closed, I was earning $22 per hour at 22 years old. It was good money at the time. These days, I've seen the same company advertising welding jobs at $20-22 per hour. I earn much more now, but as a beginner, that's a great wage to gain experience and develop your skills as a welder. Best of luck on your journey!

Tim recommends the following next steps:

Browse job boards, etc
Consider attending a welding school or technical college to get certified
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Mark’s Answer

Depending on the area, the typical hourly rate ranges from $12 to $24, and it can go higher with your skill level. Given that welding isn't a widely chosen career path, you're likely to be profitable in it as you gain experience,. So, don't hesitate, seize the opportunity!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Laila,

Average Pay for a Beginner Welder

In the United States, the average pay for a beginner welder can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the specific industry in which they are employed, their level of experience and education, and the geographic location of their job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for welders, cutters, sizers, and fitters was $44,190 as of May 2020. However, it’s important to note that this figure includes both experienced and entry-level welders.

For those just starting out in their welding careers, entry-level salaries may be lower than this median wage. According to data from the job search website Indeed, the average salary for an entry-level welder in the United States is currently around $33,000 per year. However, it’s worth noting that this figure can vary widely depending on a number of factors.

Industry and Job Setting

One major factor that can affect a beginner welder’s pay is the specific industry or job setting in which they are employed. For example, welders who work in the manufacturing industry may earn higher salaries than those who work in construction or other fields. According to data from the BLS, the median annual wage for welders in the manufacturing industry was $45,150 as of May 2020, compared to $41,670 for those in construction and extraction occupations.

Level of Education and Experience

Another important factor that can affect a beginner welder’s pay is their level of education and experience. While many welding jobs do not require a college degree, earning a certificate or associate’s degree in welding technology can help new welders qualify for higher-paying jobs. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or apprenticeships can help new welders build their skills and increase their earning potential over time.

Geographic Location

Finally, the geographic location of a beginner welder’s job can also have a significant impact on their pay. In general, welders working in urban areas or regions with high demand for welding services may earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas or regions with lower demand. According to data from the BLS, the top-paying states for welders as of May 2020 were Alaska ($67,440), Hawaii ($63,230), and Wyoming ($59,680). By contrast, welders working in Mississippi ($35,370), Alabama ($36,980), and Louisiana ($37,680) earned some of the lowest average salaries in the country.

Authoritative References Used:

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Indeed

God Bless,
JC.
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