Welder vs Auto Tech
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Welder
$51,000
National Median Salary
Total Jobs457,300
Annual Openings47,600
Training7 mo - 2 yr certificate
Auto Tech
$47,770
National Median Salary
Total Jobs794,600
Annual Openings69,000
Training1-2 yr certificate
Metric
Welder
Auto Tech
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $51,000* | $47,770 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 457,300 | 794,600* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 47,600 | 69,000* |
Training Time | 7 mo - 2 yr certificate | 1-2 yr certificate |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Welders
Alaska$76,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$65,780
North Dakota$64,320
Louisiana$63,450
Top States for Auto Techs
Alaska$68,430
Washington$62,180
Connecticut$61,340
Hawaii$60,780
California$59,230