Welder Salary UK
Welding trades in the UK earn a median salary of £34,742 a year (ONS ASHE 2025, gross pay, all employee jobs), and the middle half earn between £28,569 and £43,747. The figures cover the ONS occupation group “Welding trades” (SOC 5213).
Pay by career stage and region: Welder salary by region · Welder salary Scotland · Welder salary Wales · Welder salary Northern Ireland
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £35,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For welding trades, £35,344 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -9.0% versus the national average. Experienced welding trades (top 25%) earn over £43,747.
About this role
Welding trades professionals join metals using various welding processes including MIG, TIG, MMA and flux-cored arc welding. They work from engineering drawings to produce structural, pressure vessel, pipeline and fabrication welds that meet quality and safety standards.
Key responsibilities
- Welding metal components using appropriate processes and techniques
- Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and welding procedure specifications
- Preparing materials including cutting, grinding and fitting
- Inspecting welds for quality and conformance to standards
- Following health and safety procedures for hot work
Qualifications and entry routes
Typically requires an apprenticeship or NVQ Level 2/3 in welding. Coded welder certification (BS EN ISO 9606) is essential for structural and pressure vessel work. CSCS or CCNSG card may be required for site work.
Career outlook
Skills shortage in coded welding. Nuclear, offshore and infrastructure projects drive consistent demand for qualified welders.
Key skills
Common industries
- Manufacturing
- Oil and gas
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Nuclear
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£23,803
0-2 years
Mid Level
£28,569
3-7 years
Senior
£43,747
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +84% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£602
Welder salary: common questions
How much do welding trades earn in the UK?
Is £35,344 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for welding trades?
Have welding trades salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025). How the figures are built: salary data methodology.