How Much Do Arc Welder Make?
How much do arc welder make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for arc welder in the manufacturing & production category. Learn about arc welder pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $40,000 to $50,000.
How Much Do Arc Welder Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do arc welder make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Arc Welder in the Manufacturing & Production field can expect to earn an average salary of $50,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $40,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $50,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of arc welder by time periods, arc welder typically make around $4,166.667 per month and approximately $961.538 per week. The basic salary of arc welder varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level arc welder typically start with a base salary of $40,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $50,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $50,000.
The salary landscape for arc welder is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do arc welder make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $961.538 per week. How much do arc welder make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $35,000 to $70,000, with the median salary sitting at $50,000. Additionally, many arc welder receive bonuses averaging $5,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do Arc Welder Get Paid Per Annum? Arc Welder Salary
Annual salary data for arc welder across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do Arc Welder Get Paid in a Month? Arc Welder Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for arc welder at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do Arc Welder Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for arc welder across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
Arc Welder Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for arc welder over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
Arc Welder Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for Arc Welders are typically awarded based on performance, safety records, project completion, and overtime hours worked.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
Arc Welders generally do not receive commission, but some companies may offer incentives based on productivity, quality of work, or project completion bonuses.
Overtime
Overtime pay is common for arc welders, as many employers require additional hours to meet project deadlines, leading to increased earnings potential.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for an Arc Welder include health insurance, retirement plans like 401(k), paid time off (PTO), overtime pay, safety gear allowances, and opportunities for skill development or training.
Arc Welder Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the arc welder role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
An Arc Welder specializes in joining metal components using electric arcs to create strong, durable bonds. They interpret blueprints, select appropriate materials, and ensure safety standards are met. Skilled in various welding techniques, they play a crucial role in construction, manufacturing, and repair industries, contributing to structural integrity and design.
Primary Responsibilities
Setting up welding equipment, interpreting blueprints and technical drawings, selecting appropriate welding materials, performing arc welding techniques, inspecting welds for quality and accuracy, maintaining safety protocols, cleaning and preparing metal surfaces, repairing damaged components, collaborating with team members, documenting work progress.
Day-to-Day Tasks
An arc welder typically prepares materials, sets up equipment, inspects joints, performs welding tasks using electric arcs, monitors quality, cleans work areas, and adheres to safety protocols throughout the day.
Work Environment
Field
Arc welders typically work in industrial environments, often in factories or construction sites, facing noise, heat, and potential hazards.
Physical Demands
High
Arc welders must have physical stamina, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to work in confined spaces or extreme temperatures while wearing protective gear.
Arc Welder Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a arc welder, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Field: Welding Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing Engineering.
Experience
2 years
Employers seek arc welders with hands-on experience in metal fabrication, proficiency in various welding techniques, attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
Certifications
AWS Certified Welder, NCCER Welding Certification, ASME Welder Certification, ISO 9606-1 Certification, API 1104 Certification, CWB Certified Welder, OSHA Safety Certification.
Required Skills
Attention to detail, manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, knowledge of welding techniques, ability to read blueprints, physical stamina, safety awareness, teamwork.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Arc Welder Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for arc welder from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Welder Apprentice, Fabricator, Welding Technician
Early-career Arc Welders perform welding tasks using electric arcs to join metal parts, ensuring precision and quality while following safety protocols and blueprints.
Mid-Career
Fabricator, Welding Technician, Metal Worker
Mid-career Arc Welders are responsible for interpreting blueprints, setting up welding equipment, performing high-quality welds, ensuring safety standards, and mentoring junior welders.
Senior Management
Welding Supervisor, Welding Engineer, Fabrication Manager
Senior or management-level arc welders oversee welding operations, ensure quality standards, manage teams, develop safety protocols, and optimize processes for efficiency and productivity.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 5 years
Arc welders typically start as apprentices, gaining skills and experience before advancing to journeyman status, with opportunities for specialization or supervisory roles over time.
Arc Welder Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for arc welder, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Increased demand for skilled welders in renewable energy sectors, advancements in automation and robotics impacting traditional welding roles, a growing emphasis on safety and certifications in welding practices.
Growth Factors
Growing construction and manufacturing sectors, advancements in welding technology, increased automation, rising infrastructure projects, and a shift towards renewable energy sources drive Arc Welder demand.
Future Opportunities
Robotics integration, renewable energy systems, advanced materials, 3D printing applications, automation in construction, and smart manufacturing are emerging niches for arc welders.
Arc Welder Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for arc welder, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
Arc Welder Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for arc welder, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About Arc Welder Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a arc welder, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become an arc welder?
Typically, a high school diploma or GED and completion of a welding program or apprenticeship.
What is the average salary of an arc welder?
The average salary ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Is certification necessary for arc welders?
While not always required, certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate skills to employers.
What industries hire arc welders?
Arc welders are commonly employed in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and shipbuilding industries.
What skills are essential for success as an arc welder?
Key skills include manual dexterity, attention to detail, understanding blueprints, and knowledge of safety procedures.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.