2026 Reference Guide
Useful facts for anyone writing about welding, fabrication, or skilled trades.
Welding supports the work behind railings, gates, stairs, repairs, equipment, transportation, and structural metal. This page brings together the current national figures most often needed for a quick, reliable workforce reference.
All figures below use the latest data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for this occupation. National numbers are used so each statistic can be compared on the same basis.
437,700
welding jobs
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers held 437,700 jobs in the United States in 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment, 20252%
projected growth
Employment in these occupations is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment projections, 2025 to 203540,300
annual openings
An average of 40,300 openings a year are projected over the 2025 to 2035 decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Projected annual openings, 2025 to 2035$53,750
median annual pay
The national median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $53,750 in May 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Median pay, May 2025$25.84
median hourly pay
The national median hourly wage for the occupation was $25.84 in May 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Median pay, May 202510,300
additional jobs
The national welding workforce is projected to add 10,300 jobs between 2025 and 2035.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment change, 2025 to 203563%
work in manufacturing
Manufacturing employed 63% of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in 2025, the occupation's largest employment sector.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment by industry, 2025$59,440
median pay in specialty trades
Specialty trade contractors paid a median annual wage of $59,440 to this occupation in May 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Median pay by industry, May 20254%
work in repair and maintenance
Repair and maintenance employed 4% of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment by industry, 2025What These Figures Show
Demand remains steady, even as the work changes.
The national growth figure is modest, but the projected number of annual openings is much larger than net job growth. That is because employers also need people to fill jobs as experienced workers retire, change occupations, or leave the workforce.
Manufacturing remains the largest employer, while specialty trade contractors post a higher median wage for this occupation than the national figure. Together, those data points show how broad the work can be, from production settings to field-based trade projects.
For property owners and project managers, the numbers are a useful reminder that capable welding work is a skilled trade, not a commodity. The best fit depends on the material, the condition of the existing metal, whether the job can move to a shop, and what the finished piece needs to do day after day.
In Orlando, Deo Welding & Fabrication applies that practical approach to custom fabrication, on-site welding, and repairs and railings. Browse the project gallery for examples of finished metalwork.
Methodology & Sources
How to use this page.
These statistics describe the national occupation group officially titled “Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.” Employment and projected openings cover 2025 to 2035. Pay figures are from May 2025. The figures are not local pricing estimates and should not be used to quote a specific job.
The source page is maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and was last modified by the Bureau on August 27, 2026. Deo Welding & Fabrication will review this page regularly and update the figures when a newer federal release is available.
Cite This Page
Deo Welding & Fabrication LLC. “Welding Workforce Statistics: 2026 Reference Guide.” Updated October 9, 2026. https://deoweldingandfabricationllc.com/welding-statistics.