Pay rates for welders

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I am certain this had been posted already;I am just unable to locate it at the moment. So please forgive me if this is either inappropriate or in the wrong spot or a duplicate thread.With all that said - WHAT IN THE NAME OF JESUS HAPPENED TO THE PAY RATE FOR WELDERS?I know it fluctuates by region and by area of expertise, but it seems that the pay levels for competent and certified welders across the board have fallen to just above wal mart shelf stockers. The region I'm in has a large calling for tig welding sanitary stainless; pipe and other such sanitary grade stainless products.But to be offered $15/hr to Fab, layout, and weld sanitary pipe just seems ridiculous. Am I expecting too much or is this really a slap in the face to experienced guys?And the funny part is that they hire trainees at the same rate they hire experienced guys ($15/hr)Other shops in the area are in the range of $10 to $16/hr :banghead:Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:Welcome to the world of supply and demand - aka the free market.As long as there are more welders looking for work than there are jobs available the pay rates are going to sag.Funny part is there will be companies clamoring for welders with open positions they can't fill but they won't raise the wage they offer to attract the talent.  They are competing for business that can be filled by competitors who may be thousands of miles away.  Can you say "one world economy" ??- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:If you think it is rough for the weldor, think about what the employer goes through. Currently I have to charge my customer 4, yes 4 times the hourly rate of a weldor's wage. That means the median being $20 an hour. My best weldor makes more than $20, my worst makes minimum wage. Trainees make training wage, which is $6.80 an hour for 12 weeks. Most are dunderheads but are happy for the experience seeing as schools are having their budgets slashed. Until this country starts nurturing manufacturing again, I suspect wages will decline further. I have one item that I make competes directly with a chinese manufacturer. I win the job by building twice as many in a run and stock the balance. I also automate the machining and use my minimum wage fabricators and weldors to run the job. Even then I can barely make $40/hr. on the job when I include finish and shipping to the customer. Dang third world is working for food and shelter and are happy to be alive.We are living in a socialist bubble.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Trust me, I'm well acquainted with the supply/demand/competition stuff. I've owned 2 businesses of my own. It just seems to me that what I made when I started in the metal industry as a press and shear operator, is now the average wage for qualified welders. That was 10 years ago. As for the country needing to pay attention to the manufacturing jobs - I totally agree. Seems there was so much of a push from every where to seek a college degree that most people have turned to scoffing at a "blue collar" career.I guess I'm just disappointed and upset right now as I'm trying to find a job, but refuse to lower myself to a wage that will not supper a family of five. I do have employment now that was able to meet my former employers pay, but without health benefits it is not really a long term position.Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:You need to move to make the money right now...well from what ive seen anyways.Got a call from a lady in ND early last week paying in the high 20's for tank welders. Mississippi is still looking for pipe welders. Also once fall hits the nuclear plants will start shutting down for repairs and such. That is some good money if you can get in somewhere. $35+ an hour depending what company you work for.Government jobs is where its at! A lot of "hurry up and wait" so they call it. I have been offered dirt too. Dont let it bring you down though. Most of the welding jobs are in the **** pay range...there are still good paying companies out there. Cianbro is paying $32hr for gas line welders but they are a tough company to work for IMO anyways.
Reply:Im almost scared. It seems so confusing. you read that there a shortages of Welders yet I see no job postings. Some Welders claim there sapose to make 35-40 Hr for a well qualified pipe welder with 6g cert. Very rarely do i see a Wage higher then 20 (non Union). Granted I live in NY most work is Union and those guys kill it in Salary.
Reply:new york pays the most for welders or so i have heard! get with a contractor working in the city!Thermal Arc 186 AC/DC Tig SystemMillermultimatic 200 with spool gunFisher Norris 124lbs AnvilLiebherr Mining and Liebherr Nenzing Craneshttp://www.etsy.com/shop/ShootAphoto
Reply:Originally Posted by Virginianew york pays the most for welders or so i have heard! get with a contractor working in the city!
Reply:Originally Posted by BirdYou need to move to make the money right now...well from what ive seen anyways.Got a call from a lady in ND early last week paying in the high 20's for tank welders. Mississippi is still looking for pipe welders. Also once fall hits the nuclear plants will start shutting down for repairs and such. That is some good money if you can get in somewhere. $35+ an hour depending what company you work for.Government jobs is where its at! A lot of "hurry up and wait" so they call it. I have been offered dirt too. Dont let it bring you down though. Most of the welding jobs are in the **** pay range...there are still good paying companies out there. Cianbro is paying $32hr for gas line welders but they are a tough company to work for IMO anyways.
Reply:Originally Posted by dcoffmanjrI am certain this had been posted already;I am just unable to locate it at the moment. So please forgive me if this is either inappropriate or in the wrong spot or a duplicate thread.With all that said - WHAT IN THE NAME OF JESUS HAPPENED TO THE PAY RATE FOR WELDERS?I know it fluctuates by region and by area of expertise, but it seems that the pay levels for competent and certified welders across the board have fallen to just above wal mart shelf stockers. The region I'm in has a large calling for tig welding sanitary stainless; pipe and other such sanitary grade stainless products.But to be offered $15/hr to Fab, layout, and weld sanitary pipe just seems ridiculous. Am I expecting too much or is this really a slap in the face to experienced guys?And the funny part is that they hire trainees at the same rate they hire experienced guys ($15/hr)Other shops in the area are in the range of $10 to $16/hr :banghead:Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:Sorry to sound so upset (if it's not conveyed within my text, it sure is in person on this side of the monitor.) I'm just reaching a point now that I'm faced with the fact I am unable to locate employment that will provide my family with not only financial support, but also the all-too-important medical benefits. And yes, I know the health insurance is a completely different and more headache inducing topic than just pay rates.
Reply:Originally Posted by dcoffmanjrI did just move. LOL I moved from Pennsylvania to Arkansas. I remember before moving seeing all the welding positions available down here. Pay was not listed in most of the ads, but the ones that did list seemed on par or slightly above my PA wages. Now I'm seeing bottom dollar for top guys??!?!? That is exactly my issues. Where are the guys that are making the "big bucks"? Union or not, Government contract or not - What happened to being payed for what you are capable of? People go to medical school to become doctors, right? Some stop at general family practitioners, while others go on to become surgeons. If what is proving true in the manufacturing world held true with doctors, then the guy removing a tumor from your brain would make the same as the guy who gives you your flu shot  Do you really want the "rookie" that only welds battery boxes all day to be welding that main support column for the new high-rise building going up? OF COURSE NOT! so don't insult the poor guy that's capable and certified to do such a task.
Reply:Pirates for weldors? Attached ImagesCity of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Welding positions in NWA have never paid well. Most manufacturing positions pay better, just standing there running a machine for 8 or 12 hours.Your best bet for making a decent wage here as a welder is get on with a plumbing company that does chicken plant work. The last welding job I did was almost 7 years ago. It was a prevailing wage job for the U of A and paid 24 per hour. Since then I use my plumbing card every now and a small job comes up.My first job out of school was welding at JV manufacturing, also known as Cram-Alot. It paid 10.50 an hour in 1994. The painters and material handlers made the same wage as the welders
Reply:Originally Posted by belliottWelding positions in NWA have never paid well. Most manufacturing positions pay better, just standing there running a machine for 8 or 12 hours.Your best bet for making a decent wage here as a welder is get on with a plumbing company that does chicken plant work. The last welding job I did was almost 7 years ago. It was a prevailing wage job for the U of A and paid 24 per hour. Since then I use my plumbing card every now and a small job comes up.My first job out of school was welding at JV manufacturing, also known as Cram-Alot. It paid 10.50 an hour in 1994. The painters and material handlers made the same wage as the welders
Reply:You're in the wrong part of the country and the wrong industry. You need to get to the Gulf Coast and the oil industry. I'm working in a pipe fab shop in Port Arthur making $32. If you want to work in a refinery you can make more than that.
Reply:Originally Posted by TimmyTIGYou're in the wrong part of the country and the wrong industry. You need to get to the Gulf Coast and the oil industry. I'm working in a pipe fab shop in Port Arthur making $32. If you want to work in a refinery you can make more than that.
Reply:Outside big industry or union jobs skilled labor only pays 15-20/hr. The cost of living has crept up and wages havent kept pace. At one time skilled lanor wages ment you could libe a half decent life, those days are gone and aint coming back. Go where the money is in the oil industry.
Reply:Also when ever I see jobs a lot of times they never really need a Full time welder. They want some who knows how to weld but is Mechanically inclined in other things.
Reply:Originally Posted by bullfrogg0I second that!  I'm working in Baytown at the Exxon Refinery for a tank maintenance company and our guys make mid $20's with full health care options.  If you were to go "on the road" so to speak you could make tons of dough (no insurance tho) working turnarounds making $35+ /hr plus perdiem and some companies even pay you mileage
Reply:Hey man its all over the place, its not just Welders. The economy forced company to More with less. The closer and closer I get to School the more anxiety i get. I love welding and wish and hope I could do it as a Career.
Reply:Originally Posted by dcoffmanjrSo I'm finding out about the wages. I just moved here from Pennsylvania in March, and I truly think I work for the highest paying company around. They do a lot of chicken plant work, but I have not personally had that "joy" as of yet.  I did interview with FPEC down here, and even took a weld test. But due to my inexperience with running a foot pedal (current shop does not have or allow them) My weld test was a little less than what I am capable of. So no go on that. That was the only "well paying" position I have found starting at $18.xx to about $21.xxBTW where in NWA are you?
Reply:Originally Posted by Rojodiablo;2894531 When the pipe gets put up into 6G and they are told[B they can not use 2 hands full time, as it is a single hand weld test[/B]?????
Reply:Originally Posted by TimmyTIGI've been taking pipe tests since 1978 and I've never heard of this nonsense.'Single hand' in the welding world means you're working for a company and using their equipment, as opposed to being a rig welder and using your own equipment.It doesn't mean you can only use one hand to weld.
Reply:I live just east of Springdale in the Hickory creek area.There is a ad on craigslist for a tig welder in Springdale, but it requirs some weekend work and travel.I think you should look into Multi-Craft. You can google them and get all the info to apply. They are a pretty big company and do pretty big projects. They do plumbing,hvac,commercial refrigeration, electrical,steel erection,concrete,crane services and abunch of other ****. They have decent benifets and they pay decent. Instead of paying OT for anything over 40 they pay daily for anything over 8. Saturday and Sunday work is 1 1/2 time weather you work the week days or not.They do alot of travel, but it pays pretty well so it's optional. They have alot of guys that just travel and do weekend work.If you work in the fab shop, you will never want for anything as far a equipment goes. I worked for the plumbing division on the Airworks side of the company. It is a good company.I don't know if they have any openings or if it's for you but you should look into it.http://www.multi-craft.net/Originally Posted by RojodiabloHehehehe!!At least somebody knew what it means!This was more of a poke about the post complaining about using your own tools rather than using company equipment. If a guy is relying on  a business to supply the tools of HIS trade, he's not opening the door to success very wide for himself. Kinda like.......trying to weld with one hand.
Reply:Originally Posted by dcoffmanjrPlease, do not take my post as complaining about buying tools. The main thing to take away from my post is that working for a cheap-skate company just compounds my issues. I do, however, feel that some tools should without question be supplied to the employees. Clamps (specifically the Bessey style F clamps), Larger power tools (Rotary Hammers, Porta-bands etc..) extension cord (yes it bugs the crap out of me to have to supply my own extension cords) I have never worked in or for a shop that was like this.And as for you buying your own welder Rojo, you either have some sort of vested interest in the company, you work for a company that likes to run harbor freight welders and won't buy anything good, or you are just merely sucking up to your superiors. Do you happen to also utilize your personal cell phone for business calls? I don't want to sound harsh, but it does seem a bit over kill for someone who works for someone else to be supplying that type of equipment.Now, to say I "don't want to supply the tools of my trade" is absurdI'm also an ASE certified automotive technician. Spent a long time buying the tools tools needed to do my job within my profession. 9 years and $55K later, I've got just about anything you would ever want or need to fix any car. But, those are only hand tools, not shop equipment.  I was at one point entertaining the Snap On man's offer to sell me a diagnostic scanner (the scanners of this caliber are ALWAYS supplied by the shop) This was a mid-high level scanner with oscilloscope capabilities and all. Price tag: $12,000 (little better than 2 of your welders PLUS 18% interest) You know I just about pulled the trigger until i woke up and realized - I'm not going to see any gain for owning this tool while I still work for someone else. So I told snappy to keep it.2 years later when I opened up my own setup, I did go back and buy it - so that my guys didn't have to.Thanks for the reassurance on Multi-Craft. I've seen their trucks around and have looked them up online. I wasn't sure how far the scope of work went with them though. I will definately be looking into them come Monday morning.Thanks again!
Reply:Im a pipe weldor in the refinery industry, i started at 27.10 an hour and will hit final rate at my 3 year mark whick is 29.70 per hour and it will increase anually... It really depends on whether you are union or not .. Alot of my colleagues break 6 figures a year witg overtime... Not even back breaking ot either. ... I highly recomend the refinery industry.Sal
Reply:Originally Posted by WPSalvationIm a pipe weldor in the refinery industry, i started at 27.10 an hour and will hit final rate at my 3 year mark whick is 29.70 per hour and it will increase anually... It really depends on whether you are union or not .. Alot of my colleagues break 6 figures a year witg overtime... Not even back breaking ot either. ... I highly recomend the refinery industry.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloIf. If......... you can pass the test(s). and then pass the next set of tests. And, then the tests after that.The requirements are stiffening up in there so much, it's downright annoying. But yes, if you can make the grade, it does pay pretty well, and there is a decent amount of work. In truth, the decent welders are usually pretty plugged with work offers.
Reply:My previous comment has typo... "Start at 27.10 and final rate at 39.70".... But this is in north jersey too , while i am grateful and think this rate is awesome.. It may look higher to others who have a lower cost of living elsewhere.Sal
Reply:Be happy that you didn't spend a hundred grand  on an utterly useless law degree.  Just sayin'.If I had to  go back to school I think I'd study engineering.  The gen Xers and millennials don't want to touch it because you have to work at it. Engineers are experiencing a resurgence.Back in the mid 1990s it was a killing field for engineers. I was hiring Master's level engineers with good degrees from good schools for the mid twenties per annum.Hey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:Hi it is required to supply PPE at no cost per OSHA and provide training yearly right to know , fit testing for any masks used , lock out tag out etc. Pay rate LU 798 Pipeliners  87.00 hr , LU 40 iron workers NYC our hourly cost 135.00 hr and we had 500 on the payroll at one time on the Trade Center . Tested 800 people to get 115 past D1.1 and D1.5 . for the field , even worse to get past a pipe test for the antenna !!!
Reply:You can be very successful relying on company equipment... Depends on tge job... And it is YOUR trade regardless... Im not putting out crazy money for a power source and 100% duty cycle rig, if i need extra money i sign up for overtimeSal
Reply:Originally Posted by PavinsteelmanHi it is required to supply PPE at no cost per OSHA and provide training yearly right to know , fit testing for any masks used , lock out tag out etc. Pay rate LU 798 Pipeliners  87.00 hr , LU 40 iron workers NYC our hourly cost 135.00 hr and we had 500 on the payroll at one time on the Trade Center . Tested 800 people to get 115 past D1.1 and D1.5 . for the field , even worse to get past a pipe test for the antenna !!!
Reply:Theres pretty much a few "branches" of welding professions out there. I apply at places not knowing what they pay and my resume states I request minimum of 50$ an hour to even consider the work. They either dont know anything about working out in the field and they laugh or they are the company who says "ok when can you test by". I travel chasing the money some people are content with shop wages and that is fine. If you want to make the big bucks I suggest getting you a truck and machine and all the required tools and hit up gas/oilfield work. This industry will never end. Talk about supply and demand. Until they invent cars that run off of water this industry will survive. Even then they will need people to weld them. Its a never ending cycle just some forms of welding require different steps to complete it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bostick101 I apply at places not knowing what they pay and my resume states I request minimum of 50$ an hour to even consider
Reply:Texas, Ft.worth area to be exact. It is just that this state along with Oklahoma is booming right now. I have a job offer right now of 36$ for my arm, 16$ for my truck and machine with 85$ perdiem (costs of living) and work schedule of 6-10's and yes your right it is a contract but with a big company and they bid jobs from anywhere from 6 months up to 2-3-6 year jobs ya know?
Reply:Building bridges and erecting Tower 1 & 4 and The Transportation Hub
Reply:Originally Posted by RaulIf I had to  go back to school I think I'd study engineering.  The gen Xers and millennials don't want to touch it because you have to work at it. Engineers are experiencing a resurgence.
Reply:work at a coalfired generating station, have 5 different pressure tickets we have to maintain, were at 46$ an hr right now, and our union is about to go back for negociations for wage/benefit increases. So imagine by the end of next contract well be around 50$ an hr.... not bad for working 4 days a week, home every night
Reply:Originally Posted by Pressure_Welderwork at a coalfired generating station, have 5 different pressure tickets we have to maintain, were at 46$ an hr right now, and our union is about to go back for negociations for wage/benefit increases. So imagine by the end of next contract well be around 50$ an hr.... not bad for working 4 days a week, home every night
Reply:Originally Posted by Bostick101Texas, Ft.worth area to be exact. It is just that this state along with Oklahoma is booming right now. I have a job offer right now of 36$ for my arm, 16$ for my truck and machine with 85$ perdiem (costs of living) and work schedule of 6-10's and yes your right it is a contract but with a big company and they bid jobs from anywhere from 6 months up to 2-3-6 year jobs ya know?
Reply:Saulsbury Industries: Odessa, TX that's my main company when I work for them. They also opened a office in DFW area. Give them a shout.
Reply:Originally Posted by IridebmxI live in the Ft. Worth area also. I have taken TIG, Fluxcore classes at TCC, and I can do a little SMAW but I cant seem to find a place that will take an entry level welder. I will be happy with minimum wage just to get a little experience, but I cant find anything. Hopefully after I finish the mig, and SMAW classes I can find some work. If you ever have any leads Bostick it would be much appreciated.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloI remodeled the company president's house before I came to work at the shop. I built our 10,000 sq. ft. office, and then went into the field as a project manager. I took the job running the facility because I work well with the boss, and I am decent at keeping notes and tracking equipment.
Reply:Originally Posted by Rojodiablo....Our best welder, Raul. He's a fabricator, a welder, and a layout guy. Speaks broken Spanglish. It's hard to do layout with him at times because of the language barrier. But EVERYONE learns when they work with him. And, he's not too proud to pick up a broom, or fix another guys' broken tool if he can. He's that good at layout; multiple manifolds of 12-30" pipe, 3 sections all at once. And he can pass the tests; all of the time...
Reply:Originally Posted by dcoffmanjr I feel (and from what I'm seeing, I'm the only one) that certain tools and equipment need to be supplied by the employer.
Reply:Originally Posted by dcoffmanjr^ "Vested interest" in as much of a polite way as I can say.(Originally Posted by Pavinsteelman  Hi it is required to supply PPE at no cost per OSHA and provide training yearly right to know , fit testing for any masks used , lock out tag out etc.) Prove it. I can't seem to find any written info from OSHA indicating that is the truth; although I have heard that more time than I can count.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloBitter, party of one; your welding station is ready............