TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Welder Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$70,342/yr
Typical range: $69,165 – $81,504
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Welder salary by experience level in Dallas
Welder Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $41,513 | $3,459 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $49,585 | $4,132 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $54,966 | $4,581 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $60,194 | $5,016 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $70,342 | $5,862 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $77,722 | $6,477 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $79,567 | $6,631 | +92% |
Current Salary
$70,342
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $34/hr
Next Level Target
$77,722
Principal · 14
+$7Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Welder salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Welders in Dallas, TX earn approximately $70K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $70K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $34/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Welder in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in Dallas, TX earns $69K–$82K/yr.