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 2024.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment, 20242%
projected growth
Employment in these occupations is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment projections, 2024 to 203445,600
annual openings
An average of 45,600 openings a year are projected over the 2024 to 2034 decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Projected annual openings, 2024 to 2034$51,000
median annual pay
The national median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $51,000 in May 2024.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Median pay, May 2024$24.52
median hourly pay
The national median hourly wage for the occupation was $24.52 in May 2024.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Median pay, May 20248,800
additional jobs
The national welding workforce is projected to add 8,800 jobs between 2024 and 2034.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment change, 2024 to 2034What 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.
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 2024 to 2034. Pay figures are from May 2024. 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. 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 September 9, 2026. https://deoweldingandfabricationllc.com/welding-statistics.