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Job outlook for tig welders in the United States
Tig welder job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected tig welder job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,900 new jobs for tig welders are projected over the next decade.
Tig welder salaries have increased 12% for tig welders in the last 5 years.
There are over 294,674 tig welders currently employed in the United States.
There are 7,053 active tig welder job openings in the US.
The average tig welder salary is $38,192.
Are tig welder jobs in demand?
TIG Welder job and salary trends over time
TIG Welder jobs over time
TIG Welder job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 294,674 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 294,637 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 304,419 | 0.09% |
| 2018 | 288,441 | 0.09% |
| 2017 | 279,592 | 0.08% |
Average tig welder salary over time
TIG Welder salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,192 | $18.36 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $36,723 | $17.66 | +2.7% |
| 2023 | $35,763 | $17.19 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $34,778 | $16.72 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $34,044 | $16.37 | +3.3% |
TIG Welder jobs by state
Most common states for tig welders
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 114 | 4% |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 197 | 3% |
| 3 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 146 | 2% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 119 | 2% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 73 | 2% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 46 | 2% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 22 | 2% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 21 | 2% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 16 | 2% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 16 | 2% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 13 | 2% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 87 | 1% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 64 | 1% |
| 14 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 47 | 1% |
| 15 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 46 | 1% |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 44 | 1% |
| 17 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 30 | 1% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 19 | 1% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 6 | 1% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 5 | 1% |
Most common cities for tig welders
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elkhart | 3 | 6% | $36,330 |
| 2 | Plymouth | 4 | 5% | $40,932 |
| 3 | Batavia | 1 | 4% | $36,980 |
| 4 | Chanhassen | 1 | 4% | $40,898 |
| 5 | Chaska | 1 | 4% | $40,886 |
| 6 | Maple Grove | 2 | 3% | $40,953 |
| 7 | Burbank | 2 | 2% | $42,421 |
| 8 | Fort Lauderdale | 2 | 1% | $34,360 |
| 9 | Kansas City | 2 | 1% | $36,979 |
| 10 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $39,624 |
| 11 | Minneapolis | 2 | 0% | $40,928 |
| 12 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $36,955 |
| 13 | Chula Vista | 1 | 0% | $41,749 |
TIG Welder job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of tig welder experts
University of Alaska Southeast
What skills stand out on TIG Welder resumes?
Ryan Houtcooper: The skills that stand out most depend a great deal on the geographic location of the individual. For example, if I were to have someone approach me for a job here in Ketchikan, I would look for two things. Is the person capable of welding aluminum and stainless steel? Now, if I were still down in the midwest chasing pipelines and someone came to me for a job, I would be looking for two different things. Is the person capable and efficient at fitting and welding pipes? However, should a person who has a magnitude of experience and is well rounded in most welding processes ever approach for a job, then that person would supersede anyone who has just one or two capabilities.
What soft skills should all TIG Welders possess?
Ryan Houtcooper: For a welder, having PATIENCE is the biggest attribute. But there are a few other key factors that go into the success of a welder's career, such as having good communication skills, both written and oral. Having the knowledge and ability to do mathematical problem solving, along with the ability to read blueprints/shop drawings. These are the most critical aspects to the welder.
What hard/technical skills are most important for TIG Welders?
Ryan Houtcooper: Knowing how to troubleshoot welding equipment, setting up and taking down equipment related to the trade (pan breaks, plate rollers, plate shears, torch sets, overhead cranes, forklifts, CNC machines, etc...). Rigging heavy objects for crane picks is also an important factor for big outfits.
What skills will help TIG Welders earn the most?
Ryan Houtcooper: Pipe welding. In my travels all over the country for the last 20 years, being a well-rounded pipe welder pays the most. A person who can weld carbon steel pipe and stainless steel pipe, copper pipe, austenitic duplex pipe, and aluminum pipe will be first picked and paid the most out of all other welders. The sliding scale for pipe welders can range from $35/hr to $280/hr, depending on the region and industry.