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Welder Salaries in Indiana — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a welder make in Indiana? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $48,460/yr ($23.30/hr), with around 13,260 people working in this field statewide.

Welder salaries in Indiana are below the national average by approximately $6,148. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.

Indiana's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for welders.

Indiana Welder Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Indiana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$48,460
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$40,483

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Indiana Welder Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Indiana median of $48,460.

Your annual salary ($)

Welder Salary by Experience — Indiana

Entry Level (0–2 years)$30,000/yr · $14.42/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Indiana.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$43,129/yr · $20.74/hr
Established professional working independently in Indiana. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$53,790/yr · $25.86/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Indiana.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$69,800+/yr · $33.56/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Indiana.
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Welder Salary Trend in Indiana — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Indiana 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 Indiana's manufacturing and construction.

2021
$42,547
2022
$45,019
+5.8%
2023
$47,103
+4.6%
2024
$47,878
+1.6%
2026
$48,460
+1.2%

Welder Salary by City — Indiana

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Indianapolis$53,800$25.87+11.0%4,641
Fort Wayne$51,350$24.69+6.0%3,712
Evansville$49,900$23.99+3.0%2,386
South Bend$46,500$22.36-4.0%1,193
Carmel$44,100$21.20-9.0%795
Bloomington$42,150$20.26-13.0%530

Tip: Indianapolis offers the highest welder salaries in Indiana at $53,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Indiana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Indiana — 3.15% state income tax$48,460 gross~$40,483 take-home
Illinois — 4.95%$49,730 gross+2.6% vs IN
Michigan — 4.25%$48,930 gross+1.0% vs IN
Ohio — 3.75%$49,410 gross+2.0% vs IN

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.

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Welder Job Outlook in Indiana

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
13,260Currently employed
1,326+New jobs projected

Employment for welders in Indiana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Indiana job market. Indiana's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for welders.

How to Earn More as a Welder in Indiana

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a welder in Indiana typically adds $39,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AWS Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Indianapolis pays welders $53,800/yr — +11.0% above the Indiana average. Simply relocating within Indiana 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 Indiana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Illinois pays welders $49,730/yr — 2.6% vs Indiana.

Find Welder Jobs in Indiana

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a welder make in Indiana?
The average welder salary in Indiana is $48,460 per year, or $23.30 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $30,000 while experienced professionals earn $69,800 or more.
Where do welders earn the most in Indiana?
Indianapolis pays welders the most in Indiana at an average of $53,800 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is welder pay in Indiana above or below the US average?
Indiana welder salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $6,148. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.
What is the take-home pay for a welder in Indiana?
A welder earning the Indiana average of $48,460 takes home approximately $40,483 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.
Are welder jobs worth pursuing in Indiana?
Yes. Welder is a strong career choice in Indiana with steady demand projected over the next decade. Indiana's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for welders.
How do you become a licensed welder in Indiana?
In Indiana, 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.