The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $38,150 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,940, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,000.
In May 2015, the median annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Specialty trade contractors
$40,580
Repair and maintenance
38,260
Manufacturing
37,070
Merchant wholesalers, durable goods
36,380
Wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers vary with the worker's experience and skill level, the industry, and the size of the company.
Most welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers work full time, and overtime is common. Many manufacturing firms have two or three 8- to 12-hour shifts each day, allowing the firm to continue production around the clock if needed. As a result, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work evenings and weekends.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
$38,150
Metal workers and plastic workers
$36,730
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics