Welders vs Electricians salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Welders earn an average of $48,290 per year, while Electricians earn an average of $63,310 per year. Therefore, the salary for Electricians is much higher than that of Welders.

However, it's important to mention that the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. For example, Welders who work in Washington DC (with salary averaging $71,230) may earn more than those who work in Arkansas ($40,510). To give another example, the average salary of Electricians in Illinois is 86% higher compared to those in Arkansas.

Welders vs Electricians overview

Welders and Electricians are essential to the Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing and Specialty Trade Contractors industries respectively. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.

Welder job description

Alternative names: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Welders use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Welder education and experience

Most Welders (54%) have a High School Diploma. But this field also includes some employees who have a Less than a High School Diploma (21%) and a Post-Secondary Certificate (12%). In terms of experience, about a third of Welder occupations require a 1 to 2 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (19%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Welder average salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Welders employed by the United States in 2021 was 397,600, and their average annual wage was $48,290. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $31,350 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $63,660 or more. The average salary has increased by 3.4% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Welders make good money?

Welders salaries are generally not as competitive as those of other professions, since their mean salary is 17% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make 9% less than the mean salary of the Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing industry ($53,030).

Welders salaries are generally not as competitive as those of other professions, since their mean salary is 17% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Electrician job description

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

Electrician education and experience

Most Electricians (62%) have a Post-Secondary Certificate. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a High School Diploma (31%). Regarding experience, 28% of Electrician occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 4 to 6 years.

Electrician average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 650,580 Electricians in 2021 and their average annual wage was $63,310. The lowest earning 10 percent made $37,020 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $99,800 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has grown by 2.9%.

Do Electricians make good money?

Electricians typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 9% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make 8% more than the mean salary of the Specialty Trade Contractors industry ($58,590).

Electricians typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 9% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Welders or Electricians make more?

Electricians make about a third more than Welders. The average annual salary for Welders is $48,290, while Electricians earn $63,310 per year.

How long does it take to become a Welder vs Electrician?

Becoming a Welder generally only requires a High School Diploma. In contrast, becoming an Electrician generally requires a Post-Secondary Certificate. Completing a Post-Secondary Certificate most often takes between 1 year and 2 years of study.

Is it harder to become a Welder vs Electrician?

Becoming an Electrician is harder than becoming a Welder, since an additional 2 years of education are necessary.