Welding oxygen cylinder refill costs range from $15 to $80 in the US as of 2026. Prices depend on tank size, such as 20 cu ft ($2–$10) or B/MC ($40–$60). Location and supplier matter too. Factors include market rates, testing fees, and exchange programs for savings.

The Range of Prices for Filling an Oxygen Cylinder

Prices for filling a welding oxygen cylinder typically fall between $15 and $50. Smaller 20 cu ft bottles can cost $2–$8 to refill. Larger MC or B tanks may run $40–$60 depending on location and provider.
You’ll find price variability tied to tank size, local market, and service type. Local welding shops or HVAC services set different rates. They may offer discounts for regular customers.
Match refill frequency to your welding applications. Frequent torch use needs more predictable pricing, perhaps through contracts. Occasional hobby work can handle per-fill variability.
Verify provider certification and leak-testing procedures alongside cost. Safety and regulatory compliance affect both price and service reliability.

Common Cylinder Sizes and Their Fill Costs

Match common cylinder sizes to their typical refill prices. These include small bottles, B tanks, MC tanks, and larger shop cylinders. This helps you budget accurately.
Expect small bottle fills around $2–$8. B tanks cost near $40. MC tanks run around $50. Larger cylinders go from about $15 to $50 depending on provider and location.
Prices can fluctuate. One recent 127 CuFt fill was $27.35. Shop local suppliers and compare rates.

Common Cylinder Sizes

Cylinder sizes for welding oxygen range from small 20 CF bottles to large 125 CF tanks. Refill costs typically run from about $15 up to $70 depending on capacity.
You’ll encounter standard sizes. Use 20 CF for light, portable tasks. Pick 40 CF as a common shop choice. Go with 80 CF for extended work. Choose 125 CF for high-volume use.
Consider cylinder materials and tank portability when selecting size. Steel offers durability but weighs more. Aluminum or composite reduces weight for transport.
Match size to duty cycle. Smaller bottles force frequent swaps. Larger cylinders reduce downtime and often lower cost per CF.
Check local suppliers and account setups. Regional pricing and exchange programs greatly affect lifecycle cost.

Typical Refill Prices

Expect refill costs to vary by tank size, location, and supplier relationships. Small oxygen bottles often run $2–$15. Common shop sizes like 20–40 cu ft typically cost $15–$50. A B/MC-sized refill can be $40–$60, with examples like $40 and $50 reported. Some local reports put mid-range fills between $20–$50.
Budget by cylinder type. Tiny handheld bottles cost $2–$8. A 20 cu ft R-type runs near $15. Standard 20–40 cu ft fills are $15–$50. B tanks are around $40. MC-sized refills are about $50.
Prices hinge on supplier policies, regional market rates, and your account status. Ask about refill discounts and customer loyalty programs to reduce per-fill cost. Document agreed rates for consistency.

Factors That Affect Oxygen Refill Prices

When you shop for refills, tank size and type are primary cost drivers. Larger or specialty cylinders need more gas and sometimes different handling.
Local supply market also shapes price. Competition, regional demand, and charges for tests or services will push costs up or down.
Compare providers in your area to see how these variables affect the quotes you get.

Tank Size and Type

Tank size and type directly determine how much you’ll pay to refill an oxygen bottle. Small tanks usually cost about $2–$8. Larger welding cylinders range from roughly $15 up to $50 per refill.
Choose the cylinder class (R, D, Super-D, etc.) based on your usage and compatible regulator. A 20 cu ft R tank runs around $15. A Super-D (≈79 cu ft) often costs about $32.
Tank maintenance and refill frequency affect lifetime cost. Smaller tanks need more frequent fills. This raises effective hourly cost even if per-refill price is low.
Note that medical-grade fills can exceed typical welding rates. Negotiated relationships or supplier agreements may yield discounts that change these baseline numbers.

Local Supply Market

Local market dynamics drive wide swings in oxygen refill prices. You’ll see fills quoted anywhere from about $15 up to $80 depending on supplier, tank size, and region.
Evaluate local suppliers for consistent pricing strategies and service levels. Loyal customers often get predictable discounts. Airport or travel-related services charge premiums because of higher operational costs.
Regional demand swings and supplier density change rates between states and cities. Compare quotes before you refill. Networking can yield occasional free fills through industry or community connections, but that’s not reliable as a policy.
Prioritize suppliers that publish clear pricing strategies and standards for inspection, refill, and safety checks. This avoids hidden fees and guarantees compliance.

One-Time Fees: Hydrostatic Tests and Valve Repairs

Oxygen cylinders must meet strict safety standards. You’ll sometimes face one-time fees for hydrostatic testing and valve repairs before a refill.
Hydrostatic testing is mandated every 5–10 years. Expect typical charges of $15–$50 depending on provider. Tanks that pass receive a certification stamp. This is required for legal compliance and acceptance for refilling.
Valve repairs can add $10–$100. This varies with repair complexity and parts. Some suppliers bundle hydrostatic testing into refill pricing. Others bill it separately. Always confirm upfront.
Missing required tests can render a tank unserviceable. This forces replacement, often costing hundreds. Budget for these periodic, non-recurring costs as part of total ownership. It avoids unexpected downtime or higher replacement expenses.

Comparing Refill vs. Exchange Programs

Decide whether to refill or use an exchange program. Weigh per-fill costs against convenience and frequency of use. You’ll typically pay $15–$50 to refill depending on tank size and provider. That’s a clear metric for budget planning.
Refill advantages include predictable per-use pricing and maintaining the same certified cylinder. This avoids compatibility fees.
Exchange programs can save frequent users when suppliers offer lower fixed swap rates. But exchange disadvantages include potential size/type mismatches and extra charges if the swapped cylinder isn’t equivalent.
Local regulations and provider agreements affect availability and price. Compare suppliers. Confirm tank specifications before swapping. Track your usage pattern to choose the most cost-effective, standards-compliant option.

How to Calculate Cost Per Hour of Welding Gas

To calculate cost per hour, convert tank volume and your chosen flow rate into an estimated run time. Then spread the tank and refill costs over those hours.
Use tank CF and CFH to get hours remaining. Monitor the pressure gauge to refine that estimate. Account for different flow rates. Higher CFH shortens run time and raises hourly cost.
The resulting total hourly cost combines prorated tank/refill expense with any routine refill frequency you track.

Flow Rate and Volume

Know your tank’s volume and the welding flow rate. You can quickly calculate how long the gas will last and what it costs per hour. Divide the tank cubic feet by the flow rate (CF ÷ CFH = hours). Then divide the refill price by those hours to get cost per hour.
Confirm tank volume, like 80 CF. Select an appropriate flow rate for the process, typically 10–40 CFH.
Divide volume by flow rate to get usable hours. Higher flow rate yields fewer hours.
Use the pressure gauge to verify remaining gas. Full is about 2015 psi. Half is about 1000 psi.
Divide refill cost by calculated hours to determine a precise cost-per-hour for planning and budgeting.

Tank Run Time

You’ve worked out tank volume and flow rate. Calculating run time and cost per hour is straightforward. Divide the tank’s cubic feet by the CFH setting to get hours of use. For example, 80 CF ÷ 20 CFH = 4 hours. Then divide the refill price by those hours to find cost per hour.
Use the tank’s CF and your chosen CFH, a common range of 10–40 CFH, to estimate duration. For example, 80 CF at 10 CFH lasts about 8 hours.
Monitor gauge pressure to assess remaining gas. Full is about 2015 psi. 50% is about 1000 psi.
Focus on tank efficiency and usage effectiveness to reduce waste and scheduling gaps.

1. Calculate runtime precisely using CF ÷ CFH.
2. Verify remaining gas via pressure gauge.
3. Adjust CFH for effective usage and cost.

Total Hourly Cost

Calculating your total hourly gas cost is simple. Divide the refill price by the hours the tank will last at your chosen flow rate (CF ÷ CFH = hours). This gives a precise cost-per-hour figure you can use for job estimating and budgeting.
Use that formula to produce a clear cost breakdown. For an 80 CF tank refilled for $70 at 10 CFH, 80 ÷ 10 = 8 hours, so $70 ÷ 8 = $8.75/hour.
A 125 CF tank at the same refill price and flow lasts 12.5 hours, yielding $5.60/hour.
If you double flow to 20 CFH, the 80 CF tank lasts 4 hours and costs $17.50/hour.
Monitor flow rate and tank size to improve usage efficiency.

Where to Buy or Refill Welding Oxygen Locally

When you need to refill or buy welding oxygen, check local welding shops, HVAC service providers, and specialty gas suppliers first. They typically stock cylinders and offer exchange or refill services.
You’ll find welding supplies and local services that set prices by tank size. Refills commonly run $15–$70. Major suppliers like Airgas have branches that list specific fees, for example about $40 for a B tank (check Airgas pricing for details).
Develop relationships with providers. Some give discounts or occasional free refills. Always compare local quotes before committing.

1. Call multiple local services for exact refill and exchange pricing.
2. Verify cylinder size, certification, and safety inspection requirements.
3. Ask about volume discounts, account terms, and emergency availability.

Alternatives to Buying Oxygen: Leasing and Rentals

If buying and refilling oxygen cylinders doesn’t fit your needs, leasing or renting can offer more predictable costs and flexibility.
Leasing benefits include a typical five-year contract that supplies a full cylinder and covers maintenance. It won’t cover exchange or refill charges. You must return leased cylinders or face replacement fees. Exchanges are limited to designated company locations.
Rental flexibility comes from daily, weekly, or monthly terms, if credit approved. This suits short-term projects. Expect additional fees if cylinders fail visual inspection or require hydrostatic testing.
Disposal or recycling services exist for common gases. But facilities may refuse inhalation hazards or uncommon sizes after inspection.
Choose leasing for steady standards. Choose rentals for short-term, flexible access.

Tips to Save Money on Oxygen Refills

Many small steps can add up to big savings on oxygen refills. Start by building relationships with local welding shops or HVAC pros. They may give discounted or free fills to loyal customers.
You’ll also shop around and compare prices. Use larger tanks. Adopt proven oxygen refill strategies to cut welding costs.

1. Buy larger tanks: per-fill labor is fixed, so bigger capacity reduces cost per cubic foot.
2. Use transfill kits: refill smaller cylinders from a large supply to minimize vendor visits and fees.
3. Join local forums/groups: exchange supplier recommendations, track promotional pricing, and negotiate volume or loyalty discounts.

Follow standards, verify supplier credentials, and document price comparisons to maintain consistent welding cost saving.

Safety and Storage Considerations for Oxygen Cylinders

Cutting refill costs is smart. But you also need to protect your investment and your team by storing and handling oxygen cylinders safely.
Store cylinders upright and securely fastened. Keep them in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and combustible materials. Don’t keep oxygen in confined spaces. Use valve protection caps during transport. Never roll or drag cylinders.
Follow safety precautions. Keep clear signage. Guarantee good ventilation. Separate oxygen from flammables.
Perform cylinder maintenance regularly. Inspect for damage, corrosion, leaks, and verify valid hydrostatic test stamps. Replace or remove compromised cylinders immediately. Follow OSHA safety standards to minimize risks.
Train personnel on handling, emergency response, and correct transport methods. Adhering to these standards minimizes fire and leak risks. It keeps operations compliant and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions