Welding trades Pay Data UK — 2025

Welding trades roles in the UK earn a median of £37,668 per year, equivalent to £16.31 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 5.3% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £28,530 to £45,184 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Welding trades roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Welding trades

Welding trades workers join metal parts by welding, brazing and soldering, and cut and remove defects from metal using a variety of equipment and techniques.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• selects appropriate welding equipment such as electric arc, gas torch, etc.
• connects wires to power supply, or hoses to oxygen, acetylene, argon, carbon dioxide, electric arc, or other source and adjusts controls to regulate gas pressure and rate of flow
• cuts metal pieces using gas torch or electric arc
• guides electrode or torch along line of weld, burns away damaged areas, and melts brazing alloy or solder into joints
• cleans and smooths weld
• checks finished workpiece for defects and conformity with specification

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically by apprenticeship incorporating practical experience and technical training. NVQs/SVQs at levels 1, 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available. Welders must normally pass a competency test in the particular type of welding to be carried out.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.