Trades & Labor Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Welder Salary in Ohio

The median welder salary in Ohio is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$42,309
vs National
$-4,701
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Welder Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $42,309 per year, welders in Ohio earn $4,701 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $42,309 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $29,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $63,720 — a $33,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $44,660.

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 Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level welder earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $34,920
Median (50th) $42,309
75th Percentile $52,380
90th Percentile $63,720

Welder Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for welders in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Ohio

How much does a Welder make in Ohio? ▼
The median welder salary in Ohio is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $63,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,309, a welder in Ohio earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for welders? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $28,800, while senior professionals earn $61,200.
How does Ohio compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Ohio's median of $42,309 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($42,309) and Nebraska ($42,309).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level welder in Ohio earns approximately $28,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $61,200.
What city in Ohio pays welders the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for welders, with a median salary of $44,660. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.