Automotive Technician vs Welder: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Automotive Technician
Diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles and automotive systems.
Welder
Join metal components using various welding processes for manufacturing and construction.
Automotive Technician earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Welder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Automotive Technician vs Welder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Automotive Technician | Welder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,953 | $73,001 | Automotive $2,048 |
| New York, NY | $60,008 | $61,592 | Automotive $1,584 |
| Seattle, WA | $70,721 | $72,832 | Automotive $2,111 |
| Austin, TX | $56,635 | $54,744 | Automotive +$1,891 |
| Chicago, IL | $54,510 | $55,107 | Automotive $597 |
| Boston, MA | $64,646 | $66,166 | Automotive $1,520 |
| London, UK | £39,884 | £39,329 | Automotive +$555 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$66,289 | CA$64,838 | Automotive +$1,451 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Automotive Technician or Welder earn more?+
A Automotive Technician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Automotive Technician is $50,000/year, compared to $50,000/year for a Welder — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Automotive Technician or Welder?+
Automotive Technician roles are growing at 4% YoY while Welder demand is growing at 3% YoY. Automotive Technician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Automotive Technician to Welder?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Automotive Technician or Welder?+
Automotive Technician has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.