Welder vs CDL Driver
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
CDL Driver
$54,320
National Median Salary
Total Jobs2,100,000
Annual Openings231,100
Training3-6 wk CDL program
Metric
Welder
CDL Driver
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $51,000 | $54,320* |
Total Jobs Current employment | 457,300 | 2,100,000* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 47,600 | 231,100* |
Training Time | 7 mo - 2 yr certificate | 3-6 wk CDL program |
* 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 CDL Drivers
Alaska$77,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$64,120
North Dakota$63,450
California$62,780