Welder salary in Kentucky
A strong career option in Kentucky — with programs that take 6 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,470/ yr
$4,289 / mo · $24.75 / hr
↓ $2,280 below the national median ($53,750)
Pay by experience
Entry
$39,291
Median
$51,470
Experienced
$69,014
Demand
Stable
Program length
6 months to 2 years
Projected growth
+2.2%
Annual openings
45,600
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Kentucky compares to the national wage trend
Kentucky median
$51,470
2025 national
$53,750
2024 national
$51,000
↑ +5.4% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+2.2% projected growth through 2034
45,600 average annual openings nationwide for Welders.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Welder (entry-level)$39,291
- Welder (mid-career)$51,470
- Welder (experienced)$69,014
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$1,886
- Time to complete6 months to 2 years
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$39,291
- Median salary$51,470
- Experienced salary$69,014
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Welder in Kentucky
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Welder program in Kentucky
Browse certified training programs. Most Welder tracks complete in 6 months to 2 years and average $1,886 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in Kentucky.
Get hired in Kentucky
With roughly 45,600 Welder openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Kentucky.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Welder in Kentucky is $51,470 per year, which is $24.75 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $39,291 while experienced Welders can earn up to $69,014 annually.
Next step
Find Welder Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Welder classes in your area.