Is Welder a Good Career in 2026? (Salary, Outlook & Honest Review)
If you're considering a career as a welder, you're asking the right question. With AI reshaping the job market, it's smart to evaluate any career against automation risk, salary potential, and long-term growth before committing time and money to training.
Here's the short answer: welder has a low AI automation risk, pays $32,000 to $130,000 per year, and the field is growing at 4%. Let's break it down.
How much do welders make?
The national median salary for welders is $47,000 per year. The full range is $32,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization.
Salary by experience level
| Experience | Title | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Entry-Level Welder | $33,000 |
| 2-4 | Certified Welder | $50,000 |
| 5-9 | Specialized Welder | $75,000 |
| 10+ | Welding Inspector / Owner | $100,000 |
Job outlook and AI automation risk
Welder jobs are projected to grow 4% through the next decade. For comparison, the average across all occupations is about 3-5%.
The AI automation risk for welders is low. While some aspects of this work may be augmented by technology, the core skills remain difficult to automate.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick training, fast start
- Creative and technical
- Work on cool projects
- Specialized welders make big money
Cons
- Very physical work
- Can be dangerous
- Outdoor work common
- Protective gear required
What real welders say
"Underwater welder now. Started basic, worked my way up. Making $120K."
— Carlos M., age 29
"Six months of trade school and I was working. Most satisfying thing I've ever done with my hands."
— Trey N., age 24
"Pipeline welder at 36. I travel, see the country, and the per diem on top of salary is incredible."
— Donna C., age 36
Is the work physically demanding?
Physical demand for welder work is demanding. You should be comfortable with hands-on, sometimes strenuous work.
Ready to explore this career?
Check out our full welder career guide for live salary data, training programs, schools near you, and our AI safety survival score.
view full welder guide →frequently asked questions
Is welding hard to learn?
The basics can be learned in weeks, but mastering clean, strong welds takes practice. Most people pick up basic MIG welding quickly.
How dangerous is welding?
With proper safety equipment, welding is quite safe. The biggest risks are burns and eye damage, both preventable with correct PPE.
What's the highest-paying welding job?
Underwater welding tops the list at $100K-$200K+, followed by pipeline welding ($70K-$150K) and aerospace welding ($60K-$100K).
Can I do welding as a side business?
Yes! Many welders do custom fabrication, art, repairs, and mobile welding on the side.
MIG vs TIG vs Stick - which should I learn?
Start with MIG (easiest), then stick (most versatile), then TIG (highest precision, highest pay). Knowing all three makes you the most employable.
not sure which trade fits you?
tell us what matters to you and scout will match you with the right career — real salary data, ai-proof scores, and 670+ programs.
try scout →