In short
Welders earned a May 2025 median of $53,750 and electricians $63,190, per BLS. Welders often start after a short training program or on-the-job training, while electricians usually complete a multi-year apprenticeship and need a state license in most places. Electricians are projected to grow 9.2% through 2035, welders 2.4%.
| Side by side | Welder | Electrician |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $53,750 | $63,190 |
| Hourly equivalent | $25.84 | $30.38 |
| Typical way in | High school or GED | High school or GED |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Jobs in the U.S. (2025) | 437,700 | 821,000 |
| Growth, 2025 to 2035 | 2.4% | 9.2% |
| Openings each year | 40,300 | 72,700 |
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, national medians. Not a promise of what you will earn.
How the work differs
Welders join metal in shops, factories, shipyards, pipelines and construction sites, often in hot, loud conditions. Certifications by process and position matter for many jobs. Electricians wire homes, businesses and factories, read blueprints and follow electrical code closely.
Which one fits
If you want to start earning soon and like working with your hands in a shop or field, welding is quicker to enter. If you want a long apprenticeship that pays as you learn and leads to a license, electrical is the stronger long-term bet on median pay.
Questions people ask
Which pays more, welding or electrician?
Electricians have the higher national median in May 2025 data.
Is welding faster to learn?
Yes, basic welding programs and entry jobs are usually shorter.
Can welders make six figures?
Some specialized welders with travel and overtime do; it is not typical.