Welder vs Machinist
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
Machinist
$51,720
National Median Salary
Total Jobs384,700
Annual Openings35,400
Training1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship
Metric
Welder
Machinist
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $51,000 | $51,720* |
Total Jobs Current employment | 457,300* | 384,700 |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 47,600* | 35,400 |
Training Time | 7 mo - 2 yr certificate | 1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship |
* 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 Machinists
Alaska$78,430
Connecticut$74,890
Washington$72,340
California$70,120
Massachusetts$68,450