Electrician vs Welder: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Welder
Join metal components using various welding processes for manufacturing and construction.
Electrician earns more on average — the national median is $15,000/year (30%) higher than a Welder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Electrician vs Welder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Electrician | Welder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $94,614 | $73,001 | Electrician +$21,613 |
| New York, NY | $77,366 | $61,592 | Electrician +$15,774 |
| Seattle, WA | $90,028 | $72,832 | Electrician +$17,196 |
| Austin, TX | $70,774 | $54,744 | Electrician +$16,030 |
| Chicago, IL | $68,874 | $55,107 | Electrician +$13,767 |
| Boston, MA | $84,512 | $66,166 | Electrician +$18,346 |
| London, UK | £50,415 | £39,329 | Electrician +$11,086 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$88,649 | CA$64,838 | Electrician +$23,811 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Electrician or Welder earn more?+
A Electrician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Electrician is $65,000/year, compared to $50,000/year for a Welder — a difference of $15,000 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Electrician or Welder?+
Electrician roles are growing at 11% YoY while Welder demand is growing at 3% YoY. Electrician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Electrician to Welder?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Blueprint Reading.
Which is harder to automate — Electrician or Welder?+
Electrician has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.