Trades & Labor Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Welder Salary in Alaska

The median welder salary in Alaska is $62,993 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$62,993
vs National
+$15,983
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Welder Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for welder compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for welders seeking high pay. At $62,993 per year, welders in Alaska earn $15,983 more than the national median of $47,010.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $62,993 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $50,801.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $44,488, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $94,872 — a $50,384 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $68,165.

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 Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level welder earns around $42,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,120 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,880
+$10,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,320
+$16,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,120
+$23,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $44,488
25th Percentile $51,992
Median (50th) $62,993
75th Percentile $77,988
90th Percentile $94,872

Welder Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for welders in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Alaska

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Alaska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Alaska

How much does a Welder make in Alaska? ▼
The median welder salary in Alaska is $62,993 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $44,488 (10th percentile) to $94,872 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,993, a welder in Alaska earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for welders? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $42,880, while senior professionals earn $91,120.
How does Alaska compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Alaska's median of $62,993 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($67,224) and Massachusetts ($63,464).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level welder in Alaska earns approximately $42,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $91,120.
What city in Alaska pays welders the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for welders, with a median salary of $68,165. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.