Yes, contract welders can earn well over $100,000 in a year. Because these types of jobs require specialized skills and can be potentially risky.
A beginner welder with no prior experience can expect to earn an average salary of around $44,000 per year, while a highly skilled welder with years of experience can earn upwards of $100,000 or more per year. It’s worth noting that the demand for skilled welders is increasing, and as a result, many employers are offering higher salaries to attract and retain top talent.
The type of welding a welder specializes in can also impact their earning potential. For example, those who specialize in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, which is commonly used in the aerospace and medical industries, can command higher salaries than those who specialize in MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding.
The industry a welder works in can also affect their earning potential. For example, welders who work in the construction or manufacturing industries can earn less than those who work in the oil and gas industry or shipbuilding. This is because these industries often require highly skilled welders to work on complex projects, and therefore, are willing to pay higher salaries to attract the best talent.
The region a welder is located in can also impact their earning potential. Welders in cities with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco, New York, and Seattle, can expect to earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities with a lower cost of living.
While it’s possible for welders to earn 100k or more, it’s not guaranteed, and the actual amount a welder earns will depend on several factors such as their level of experience, type of welding they specialize in, the industry they work in, and the region they are located in.
