How much do welders make an hour?

The average hourly wage for welders in the United States is $18.80, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rates depend on type of welding, location, experience and quality of work.

The top-paying state is Alaska with an average wage of $33.05 per hour. Welding pay is also above average in Hawaii, the District of Columbia, Wyoming and North Dakota. Industrial pipe welders, underwater welders and military support welders receive the highest pay in the industry.

There is little difference in pay between welders who are certified with the American Welding Society and those who are not, although having a certification may be an employment requirement for some jobs.