The average national cost for a welder is $150-$250. Many factors impact the price, such as the welder's hourly rate, materials, and the type of welding project you need help with. The total cost generally covers materials, equipment, and labor.
As a homeowner, you might hire a welder or metalworker to a custom fence or gate, build decorative interior metalwork, or add safety features to your house, like window bars. Welders can also help with pipes and restoration work and have experience with a range of metal types, like aluminum, wrought iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and galvanized steel.
Before you look for right welder for your project, get an estimate on the price of your welding job with this guide.
What affects the cost to hire a welder?
In addition to a welder's wage (they typically charge hourly), the total cost of your welding project will also depend on any additional materials your contractor needs to buy, as well as the type of metal they're working with.
Materials
A welder will need flux (gas), wire, grinding wheels, sanding stones, and UV and high-heat resistant paint, for welding. Most professionals already have the necessary equipment for any welder job, but all of these contribute to a shop's overhead. It will be reflected in the price you pay.
Here's a breakdown of material costs from a pro and welder in Frisco, Texas:
Type of metal
The type of metal used for a project also affects the final cost. According to the Texas-based welder mentioned above, steel is the most affordable. Aluminum and stainless steel cost 1.5-2x more than standard steel.
Additionally, every time the cost of steel fluctuates, the overall cost of welding does as well. For example, the Texas-based welder typically charges $44$50 for one 25-foot stick of 2x6 14-gauge steel. However, that price has fluctuated as high as $125 per stick during a recession and, as a result, he had to charge more.
Repairs and small jobs
Like any improvement project, small jobs, such as fixing a post on a fence, will cost less than more intensive projects. Some welders charge an average minimum of $60 for any welding work no matter how small the job. Others base their rates on how much they need to weld.
Here are a few example prices for small jobs from the Texas-based welding company:
This particular welding company includes paint touchups in their prices, which is not generally a service included in welding work.
Minor repairs such as cracks or broken parts can often be done either at the client's location or in the welding shop.
welders who must bring equipment to a client's home often charge a travel fee or minimum service fee to cover their extra time, transportation expenses, and salary. Customers can save money by bringing smaller items, such as chairs, to the welding shop.
Hourly rates
The national average hourly rate for welding services ranges from $65$125, often with a minimum service fee to cover overhead and transportation. Most welding shops charge an hourly rate for services, particularly if they're doing straightforward jobs or pipeline work.
However, some professionals charge by the square foot. For example, the Texas-based welder charges $125 per square foot for front entry doors made out of steel.
Type of welding project
The type of welding project also impacts the overall price. For larger projects, as a welder will give you an estimate upfront based on the specifics of the job, type of metal to be used, wages, and other considerations.
Here are a few example prices for common interior welding jobs:
repair is another common reason to hire a welding specialist. Pipe repairs cost an average of $120-$160, nationwide.
What types of welding are there?
There are several different of welding methods your welder may use:
Tips for hiring a welder
When looking for a welder to help with your project, be sure to:
Whether you want to build a decorative, wrought-iron fence around your property, or you need a pipe specialist to weld together a leak and make sure your plumbing is back in working order, a welder can help. Find a near you, along with reviews, on Thumbtack.