If you’re grinding away at a day job and wondering if a career in welding could put more cash in your pocket, I’ve been right where you are. Back in my early days, fresh out of a community college welding program, I fired up my first stick welder on a rusty old pipeline job in Texas. The arc was hot, the sparks were flying, and yeah, the paycheck wasn’t bad either.
But let’s cut to the chase—how much does a stick welder make? In the US today, the average stick welder pulls in around $43,000 to $48,000 a year, depending on where you’re swinging that electrode. That’s solid money for hands-on work that keeps America building, from bridges to oil rigs.
And here’s why it matters: in a trade where your skills directly impact safety and structure integrity—like ensuring a weld holds under extreme pressure—knowing your earning potential helps you plan for the long haul, whether you’re a DIY hobbyist eyeing a side gig or a pro chasing that next certification. Stick with me, and I’ll break it down like we’re chatting over coffee in the fab shop.
Image by granitemorvarid
What Is Stick Welding and Why It Pays Off in the Real World
Stick welding, or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) if you want the fancy term, is one of those old-school processes that’s still kicking butt on job sites everywhere. It’s simple: you strike an arc between a consumable electrode coated in flux and the base metal, and bam—molten metal fuses everything together while the flux shields it from the air. No fancy gas setups, just your welder, rods, and grit.
I’ve used stick welding on everything from repairing farm equipment in rural Oklahoma to laying down beads on structural steel in a bustling shipyard. Why does it matter for your wallet? Because it’s versatile and portable—perfect for field work where MIG or TIG setups just won’t cut it. That reliability translates to steady demand, and demand means better pay. Plus, mastering stick builds a foundation for other processes, opening doors to higher-paying specialties.
The Basics of Stick Welding: Rods, Amps, and Getting That Clean Bead
Let’s talk rods first—they’re the heart of stick welding. E6010 rods are my go-to for root passes on pipe; they dig in deep with a fast-freeze puddle, great for out-of-position work. Switch to E7018 for fill and cap passes—it’s low-hydrogen, so less cracking risk on thicker steel, and it runs smoother on AC machines.
Settings? Start with 100-150 amps for 1/8-inch rod on mild steel, polarity on DCEP for most electrodes. Too low, and you get a sloppy arc; too high, and you’re blowing holes. I once overheated a joint on a trailer frame because I cranked the amps chasing speed—lesson learned: always clean your metal with a grinder or wire brush first. That prep time saves headaches and callbacks, which keeps your rep solid and your hours billable.
When and Why to Grab Your Stick Welder Over Other Processes
Use stick when you’re outdoors in the wind— that flux coating laughs at gusts that would scatter your MIG shielding gas. It’s ideal for dirty or rusty metal, like on construction sites or repairs. And for hobbyists? It’s forgiving for beginners; no perfect gun angle needed.
In the pro world, stick shines on heavy fabrication—think I-beams for buildings or pressure vessels. Why pick it? Cost efficiency: rods are cheap, machines are rugged, and it meets AWS D1.1 codes for structural work. I’ve seen DIYers save thousands fixing their own gates instead of calling out a pro, but for career folks, it’s the gateway to $50k-plus gigs because employers love guys who can weld anything, anywhere.
The Average Stick Welder Salary in the US Right Now
Nationwide, stick welders are earning a median of about $46,000 annually as of late 2025—that’s roughly $22 an hour for a 40-hour week. But don’t get too hung up on medians; the range is wide, from $37,000 for starters to over $70,000 for seasoned hands with overtime.
This pay reflects the trade’s backbone role in manufacturing, construction, and energy. BLS data backs it up: welders overall hit $48,900 median, but stick specialists often edge higher in field-heavy roles. Overtime bumps it too—I’ve pulled 50-60 hour weeks on shutdowns, turning base pay into real take-home.
Factors like union status play huge; non-union might start at $18-20/hour, while union books can hit $30+ right away. And remember, benefits add up: health insurance, tool allowances, and pensions can tack on $10k-15k in value.
Breaking Down Hourly vs. Annual Pay for Stick Welders
Hourly, expect $18-25 for most gigs. Annual? Factor in 2,000 work hours minus downtime. A table helps here:
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary (40 hrs/week) | With 10% Overtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $18-22 | $37,000-$45,000 | $41,000-$50,000 |
| Mid-Career | $23-28 | $48,000-$58,000 | $53,000-$64,000 |
| Senior | $29-35+ | $60,000-$73,000 | $66,000-$80,000+ |
These are ballparks from shop talk and job boards. My buddy started at $19/hour in a fab shop; two years in, he’s at $26 with certs.
Stick Welder Salaries by State: Finding the Hot Spots
Location swings pay big time—cost of living, industry demand, and even weather play in. Alaska tops the list at nearly $79,000 mean annual, thanks to oil and remote work premiums. Florida lags at $32,000, but hey, no brutal winters.
I’ve chased jobs from Washington state ($48,800 average) to West Virginia ($33,000), and the difference hits your bank. Up north, unions are strong; down south, it’s more freelance hustle.
Here’s a quick comparison of top and bottom payers:
| State | Annual Average | Hourly Average | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $79,210 | $38.08 | Oil & Gas, Pipelines |
| Hawaii | $75,590 | $36.34 | Shipbuilding, Tourism |
| Washington | $48,818 | $23.47 | Aerospace, Construction |
| New York | $47,156 | $22.67 | Manufacturing, Bridges |
| Florida | $32,211 | $15.49 | Repair, Fabrication |
| West Virginia | $33,369 | $16.04 | Mining, Steel |
Relocating? Weigh rent against wages. I moved from Ohio to Colorado for a $5k bump—worth it for the mountains too.
Why Coastal and Mountain States Pay More for Stick Welders
Coastal spots like California ($42,500) thrive on shipyards and ports, where stick handles salty, weathered steel like a champ. Mountains? Wyoming ($65,700) for energy extraction—think welding rig repairs in -20 degrees.
Pro tip: Check local unions before packing. A 4G cert opened a $28/hour gig for me in Oregon; without it, you’re sidelined.
How Much Do Entry-Level Stick Welders Make?
Fresh into the trade? You’re looking at $30,000-$40,000 your first year, or $15-20/hour. That’s after trade school or an apprenticeship—think 6-12 months grinding basics.
I started as a helper at $16/hour, chipping slag and prepping joints. It sucked at first, but it built my eye for good welds. Common mistake? Rushing certifications—get that AWS D1.1 basics under your belt early.
Starting Out: Apprenticeships and First Gigs
Apprenticeships pay $14-18/hour while you learn, often through unions like the UA for pipefitters. Non-union fab shops offer quicker entry but slower raises.
Step-by-step to your first check:
- Enroll in a program—community colleges run $5k-10k for 9 months.
- Practice on scrap: Aim for 1/4-inch plate in all positions.
- Land a helper role: Network on job sites or Indeed.
- Nail safety: OSHA 10 card is non-negotiable.
By month six, I was running 7018 rods solo, bumping to $19/hour.
Common Pitfalls for New Stick Welders and How to Dodge Them
Undercut your beads? Slow your travel speed. Porosity from moisture? Bake your rods at 250°F. These fixes keep you employed—and paid.
Entry pay feels low, but it’s a launchpad. Side hustles like mobile repairs added $500/month for me early on.
Mid-Career Stick Welder Earnings: Where the Real Growth Hits
Three to seven years in, you’re at $45,000-$60,000, $22-29/hour. That’s when certs and versatility pay dividends—I’ve doubled my rate by adding flux-core to my stick skills.
Mid-career means leading crews or tackling complex joints, like multi-pass on TKYs. Overtime flows here; a plant shutdown can net $10k extra.
Leveling Up: Certifications That Add Dollars to Your Hourly Rate
AWS Certified Welder? +$2-3/hour. CWI inspector? Jump to $60k+. I got my 3G cert after a year—landed a structural gig at $25/hour.
Pros of certs: Credibility, better jobs. Cons: Time (200 hours practice) and cost ($500-1k tests).
Balancing Shop Life and Paycheck Growth
Burnout’s real—12-hour days fry you. I fixed it by picking employers with 4/10s schedules. Net result? Steady $55k without hating Mondays.
Senior Stick Welder Salaries: The Top of the Arc
Seven-plus years? $70,000+, $30-40/hour base, up to $100k with OT. Seniors run the show—supervising, inspecting, or specializing.
I’ve mentored kids now, pulling $32/hour plus per diem on travel jobs. It’s rewarding, but knees pay the price.
High-Earning Paths for Veteran Stick Welders
Pipeline: $80k-120k, but remote. Rig welding: $50k-200k with shutdowns—harsh, but fat checks.
Anecdote: My foreman retired at 55 on $90k/year from union boilermaking. Key? Consistent 6G certs.
Union vs. Non-Union Stick Welder Pay: The Hard Truth
Union: $50k-80k starting journeyman, full benefits. Non-union: $35k-50k, more flexibility but less security.
I went union after two years non-union—pay jumped 40%, plus pension. Drawback? Bidding jobs by seniority.
Pros and Cons of Each Path
| Aspect | Union Pros/Cons | Non-Union Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | Higher base + OT premiums | Variable, potential for quick raises |
| Benefits | Health, retirement goldmine | Often minimal, self-pay |
| Job Security | Strong, but travel-heavy | Flexible, local gigs |
| Advancement | Structured apprenticeships | Hustle-based |
Union’s my pick for longevity; non-union suits side-giggers.
Specializations That Supercharge Stick Welder Income
Stick’s your base, but layer on pipe or underwater for premiums. Pipe welders hit $55k-100k; stick’s perfect for carbon steel roots.
Pipe Welding with Stick: High-Stakes, High Pay
6G cert? $30+/hour. Prep: Bevel edges 37.5 degrees, tack securely. Mistake: Ignoring fit-up—leads to leaks.
I’ve laid 36-inch pipe at $35/hour in Wyoming; the per diem alone covered rent.
Rig and Field Welding: Adventure and Big Bucks
Oil rigs: $50k-150k seasonal. Stick handles dirty joints outdoors. Tip: Pack wool socks—cold arcs bite.
Pros: Travel pay. Cons: 28-day hitches away from family.
Factors That Crank Up Your Stick Welding Salary
Experience is king, but location, certs, and industry amplify it.
Certifications and Continuous Training for Better Pay
AWS, ASME Section IX—each adds $3-5/hour. Renew yearly; I slacked once, lost a bid.
Location Matters: Cost of Living vs. Wage Gaps
DC at $48k feels like $60k elsewhere. Tools like BLS calculators help.
Industry: Energy pays 20% more than auto—stick’s ideal for both.
Tips to Boost Your Earnings as a Stick Welder
Want more? Here’s my playbook.
- Cert up: Target 6G in six months—practice daily.
- Network: Join local AWS chapters; jobs flow from handshakes.
- Side hustle: Mobile stick repairs—$50/hour weekends.
- Negotiate: After a big project, ask for 10% raise.
Common error: Sticking to one employer. Job-hop every 2-3 years for 15% bumps.
Pros of these tips: Quick wins. Cons: Upfront effort.
For machine tweaks: On inverters, use hot-start for E6010—better ignition, fewer stubs.
Joint prep: V-groove for thick plate, 60-degree angle. Filler: Match to base, like ER70S-6 if branching to MIG.
Wrapping It Up: Your Path to a Fatter Welding Paycheck
Stick welders make $43k on average, but with smart moves, you can hit $70k or more. From entry gigs at $35k to senior roles pushing six figures, it’s about building skills that hold up under pressure, just like a good weld.
You’re now armed to chase that certification, pick the right state, or union book that levels up your game. The trade rewards doers—grab your stinger and get after it. Track your hours and welds in a log; it’ll make negotiating raises a breeze, like showing the boss your portfolio of perfect beads.
FAQs
What’s the Starting Salary for a Stick Welder in the US?
Entry-level stick welders typically earn $30,000-$40,000 annually, or $15-20 per hour, especially in apprenticeships or fab shops. It ramps up fast with certs.
Do Stick Welders Make More in Unions?
Yes—union stick welders often start at $25-30/hour with benefits, hitting $60k+ yearly, versus $18-22 non-union. The trade-off is more travel.
How Does Experience Affect Stick Welder Pay?
Zero to two years: $35k average. Mid-career (3-6 years): $50k. Seniors (7+): $70k+, thanks to specialties and leadership roles.
Can Stick Welding Lead to Six-Figure Salaries?
Absolutely, through rig or pipeline work—$100k+ with overtime and per diem. Add inspections for steady $80k-90k.
What’s the Best State for Stick Welder Jobs and Pay?
Alaska leads at $79k average, followed by Hawaii and Wyoming, driven by energy and remote premiums. Balance with living costs, though.
