Welder salary in Tennessee
A strong career option in Tennessee — with programs that take 6 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$48,040/ yr
$4,003 / mo · $23.10 / hr
↓ $5,710 below the national median ($53,750)
Pay by experience
Entry
$37,835
Median
$48,040
Experienced
$64,210
Demand
Stable
Program length
6 months to 2 years
Projected growth
+2.2%
Annual openings
45,600
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Tennessee compares to the national wage trend
Tennessee median
$48,040
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)$37,835
- Welder (mid-career)$48,040
- Welder (experienced)$64,210
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$37,835
- Median salary$48,040
- Experienced salary$64,210
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Welder in Tennessee
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Welder program in Tennessee
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 Tennessee.
Get hired in Tennessee
With roughly 45,600 Welder openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Tennessee.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Welder in Tennessee is $48,040 per year, which is $23.10 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $37,835 while experienced Welders can earn up to $64,210 annually.
Next step
Find Welder Classes Near You
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