Average salary, compensation, and wages for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers in the United States


Median hourly earnings of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were $14.02 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.41 and $17.34. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $9.41, while the top 10 percent earned over $21.79. The range of earnings of welders reflects the wide range of skill levels. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in 2002 were:

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing $16.02
Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing 13.74
Architectural and structural metals manufacturing 13.34
Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance 13.06
Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing 12.83



Median hourly earnings of welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders were $13.90 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.22 and $17.77. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $9.36, while the top 10 percent earned over $24.60. Median hourly earnings in motor vehicle parts manufacturing, the industry employing the largest numbers of welding machine operators in 2002 were $18.29.
Many welders belong to unions. Among these are the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada; and the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America.



More information on Welding, soldering, and brazing workers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Overview of Welding, soldering, and brazing workers occupation
Number of Welding, soldering, and brazing workers in the U.S.
Salary and earnings for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers
Working conditions for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers
Significant points for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers
Training requirements for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers




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