TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Welder Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$77,587/yr
Typical range: $76,289 – $89,899
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Welder salary by experience level in Austin
Welder Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $45,789 | $3,816 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $54,693 | $4,558 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $60,628 | $5,052 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $66,394 | $5,533 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $77,587 | $6,466 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $85,727 | $7,144 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $87,762 | $7,314 | +92% |
Current Salary
$77,587
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $37/hr
Next Level Target
$85,727
Principal · 14
+$8Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Welder salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Welders in Austin, TX earn approximately $78K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Welder make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $78K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $37/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Welder in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in Austin, TX earns $76K–$90K/yr.