Trades & Labor Indiana (IN) Rank #33 of 50

Welder Salary in Indiana

The median welder salary in Indiana is $43,249 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$43,249
vs National
$-3,761
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Welder Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,249 per year, welders in Indiana earn $3,761 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $43,249 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $48,054 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $30,544, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $65,136 — a $34,592 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $50,301.

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 Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level welder earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,560 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $35,696
Median (50th) $43,249
75th Percentile $53,544
90th Percentile $65,136

Welder Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for welders in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Indiana

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Indiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Indiana

How much does a Welder make in Indiana? ▼
The median welder salary in Indiana is $43,249 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $65,136 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,249, a welder in Indiana earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for welders? ▼
Indiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $29,440, while senior professionals earn $62,560.
How does Indiana compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Indiana's median of $43,249 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($43,719) and New Mexico ($43,719).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level welder in Indiana earns approximately $29,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $62,560.
What city in Indiana pays welders the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for welders, with a median salary of $50,301. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.