Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operators Make?
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $47,060 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,780 at the 10th percentile to $66,190 at the 90th percentile — a range of $30,410. The highest-paying state is Washington at $78,460.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,780 |
| 25th percentile | $39,480 |
| Median (50th) | $47,060 |
| 75th percentile | $55,870 |
| 90th percentile | $66,190 |
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $78,460 |
| Alaska | $76,860 |
| Louisiana | $66,660 |
| Maryland | $62,560 |
| Minnesota | $57,830 |
| Kentucky | $57,590 |
| New Jersey | $57,140 |
| Connecticut | $56,750 |
| Colorado | $53,580 |
| Nebraska | $53,290 |
| Iowa | $52,100 |
| Oregon | $51,390 |
| Texas | $51,220 |
| South Dakota | $50,920 |
| Massachusetts | $49,920 |
| Illinois | $48,750 |
| Wisconsin | $48,170 |
| Arizona | $48,010 |
| Ohio | $47,830 |
| Missouri | $47,770 |
| Idaho | $47,550 |
| Utah | $47,320 |
| Virginia | $47,310 |
| California | $47,180 |
| New York | $46,890 |
| North Carolina | $46,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,530 |
| West Virginia | $46,370 |
| Nevada | $46,330 |
| New Hampshire | $46,050 |
| Kansas | $45,880 |
| Rhode Island | $45,870 |
| South Carolina | $45,640 |
| Tennessee | $45,600 |
| Maine | $45,160 |
| Arkansas | $43,700 |
| Georgia | $43,500 |
| Vermont | $42,280 |
| Oklahoma | $41,780 |
| Mississippi | $41,490 |
| Michigan | $40,470 |
| Florida | $39,790 |
| Indiana | $38,970 |
| Alabama | $37,310 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operators
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,780 – $39,480 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$47,060 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$55,870 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $66,190+ |
How to Earn More as a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operators in Louisiana earn $66,660 — $19,600 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($55,870) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Operatorthis career | $47,060 |
| Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairer | $53,990 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler | $61,680 |
| Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler | N/A |
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SOC: 51-4122.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.