Trades & Labor Alabama (AL) Rank #45 of 50

Welder Salary in Alabama

The median welder salary in Alabama is $40,899 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$40,899
vs National
$-6,111
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Welder Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,899 per year, welders in Alabama earn $6,111 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $40,899 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $28,884, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $61,596 — a $32,712 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $43,249.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level welder earns around $27,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,160 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,160
$-8,840 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $28,884
25th Percentile $33,756
Median (50th) $40,899
75th Percentile $50,634
90th Percentile $61,596

Welder Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for welders in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Alabama

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Alabama

How much does a Welder make in Alabama? ▼
The median welder salary in Alabama is $40,899 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $28,884 (10th percentile) to $61,596 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,899, a welder in Alabama earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for welders? ▼
Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $27,840, while senior professionals earn $59,160.
How does Alabama compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Alabama's median of $40,899 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($41,369) and South Dakota ($41,369).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level welder in Alabama earns approximately $27,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $59,160.
What city in Alabama pays welders the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for welders, with a median salary of $43,249. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.