Trades & Labor Louisiana (LA) Rank #24 of 50

Welder Salary in Louisiana

The median welder salary in Louisiana is $45,130 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$45,130
vs National
$-1,880
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Welder Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Louisiana falls in the middle of the pack for welder pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $45,130 per year, welders in Louisiana earn $1,880 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $45,130 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,593 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $31,872, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,968 — a $36,096 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $48,420.

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 Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level welder earns around $30,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,280 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,080
$-1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,280
$-2,720 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $31,872
25th Percentile $37,248
Median (50th) $45,130
75th Percentile $55,872
90th Percentile $67,968

Welder Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for welders in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Welder make in Louisiana? ▼
The median welder salary in Louisiana is $45,130 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $31,872 (10th percentile) to $67,968 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,130, a welder in Louisiana earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for welders? ▼
Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $30,720, while senior professionals earn $65,280.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Louisiana's median of $45,130 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($45,600) and Utah ($45,600).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level welder in Louisiana earns approximately $30,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,280.
What city in Louisiana pays welders the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for welders, with a median salary of $48,420. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.