Welder pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000868
- Class code
- 32000868
- Pay group
- NC09
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Welder is $41,206 to $72,113 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000868.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The OSHR class specification for this class is published by North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 06/2018.
What the state says the job is
Work in this class involves the operation of acetylene and electric arc welding equipment in order to fuse metal parts in situations where weld strength is a necessity, such as in the construction or repair of steam boilers and high pressure steam lines as well as various types of machinery and equipment. Work also involves the assembly and disassembly of the parts to be welded. Work assignments are received from a shop foreman with general instructions regarding the welding needed. Work is performed at the journey level in accordance with established shop and trade practices, but incumbent exercises considerable initiative in developing his own procedures and work methods. Lays out, cuts, and fits material for welding. Joins metal pieces by applying the torch or electric arc to surfaces and melting the welding rod and flux into the joint.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Working knowledge of the principles and methods of acetylene and electric arc welding. Working knowledge of the heating properties of a variety of alloys and parent metals. Skill in the operation of the tools and equipment of the welding trade. Ability to work from and follow oral and written directions and drawings and to copy or reproduce parts which have been broken. Physical strength and ability sufficient to move relatively heavy objects and to perform manual labor for short periods of time.
Minimum qualifications
High school or General Educational Development diploma (GED) diploma and two years of progressive experience in acetylene or electric arc welding; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. <h2
Quoted from the OSHR class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) publishes this figure in OSHR salary schedules, joined to Class Specifications. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their salary grades come from the Class Specifications, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in North Carolina
Welder in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $33,727 | $56,482 | $33,727 to $56,482 |
| Arizona | $15.34 | $27.66 | $31,909 to $57,540 |
| Delaware | $35,267 | $52,901 | $35,267 to $52,901 |
| Kentucky | $2,509 | $4,014 | $30,104 to $48,167 |
| Louisiana | $40,914 | $73,632 | $40,914 to $73,632 |
| Minnesota | $65,459 | $75,774 | $65,459 to $75,774 |
| New Jersey | $52,308 | $75,954 | $52,308 to $75,954 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,506 | $61,927 | $41,506 to $61,927 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.