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Welder Salaries in Alabama — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a welder make in Alabama? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $47,170/yr ($22.68/hr), with around 12,570 people working in this field statewide.

Welder salaries in Alabama are below the national average by approximately $7,438. Alabama has a state income tax rate of up to 5%.

Alabama's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for welders.

Alabama Welder Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Alabama after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Alabama has a state income tax rate of up to 5%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$47,170
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$38,614

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Alabama has a state income tax rate of up to 5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Alabama Welder Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Alabama median of $47,170.

Your annual salary ($)

Welder Salary by Experience — Alabama

Entry Level (0–2 years)$29,200/yr · $14.04/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Alabama.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$41,981/yr · $20.18/hr
Established professional working independently in Alabama. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$52,358/yr · $25.17/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Alabama.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$67,900+/yr · $32.64/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Alabama.
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Welder Salary Trend in Alabama — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Alabama has seen 13.9% wage growth for welders — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Alabama's manufacturing and construction.

2021
$41,415
2022
$43,820
+5.8%
2023
$45,849
+4.6%
2024
$46,603
+1.6%
2026
$47,170
+1.2%

Welder Salary by City — Alabama

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Birmingham$52,350$25.17+11.0%4,399
Huntsville$50,000$24.04+6.0%3,519
Mobile$48,600$23.37+3.0%2,262
Montgomery$45,300$21.78-4.0%1,131
Tuscaloosa$42,900$20.62-9.1%754
Auburn$41,050$19.74-13.0%502

Tip: Birmingham offers the highest welder salaries in Alabama at $52,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Alabama vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Alabama sits in the mid-range for welders.

Alabama — 5.0% state income tax$47,170 gross~$38,614 take-home
Mississippi — 5.0%$49,490 gross+4.9% vs AL
Tennessee — no state tax$47,280 gross+0.2% vs AL
Georgia — 5.49%$48,000 gross+1.8% vs AL

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Alabama has a state income tax rate of up to 5%.

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Welder Job Outlook in Alabama

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
12,570Currently employed
1,257+New jobs projected

Employment for welders in Alabama is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Alabama job market. Alabama's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for welders.

How to Earn More as a Welder in Alabama

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a welder in Alabama typically adds $38,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AWS Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Birmingham pays welders $52,350/yr — +11.0% above the Alabama average. Simply relocating within Alabama can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Welders who specialise in manufacturing and construction typically command premium rates in Alabama. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Mississippi pays welders $49,490/yr — 4.9% vs Alabama.

Find Welder Jobs in Alabama

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do welders earn in Alabama?
The average welder salary in Alabama is $47,170 per year, or $22.68 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $29,200 while experienced professionals earn $67,900 or more.
What city in Alabama pays welders the most?
Birmingham pays welders the most in Alabama at an average of $52,350 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Alabama stack up nationally for welder pay?
Alabama welder salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $7,438. Alabama has a state income tax rate of up to 5%.
What's the after-tax salary for welders in Alabama?
A welder earning the Alabama average of $47,170 takes home approximately $38,614 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Alabama has a state income tax rate of up to 5%.
Are welder jobs worth pursuing in Alabama?
Yes. Welder is a strong career choice in Alabama with steady demand projected over the next decade. Alabama's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for welders.
What's the licensing process for welders in Alabama?
In Alabama, welders are licensed through the AWS Certification (voluntary). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the AWS Certification (voluntary) for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.