How much welders charge depends on the job, but national guides put professional welding labor at about $60 to $125 per hour. Angi reports that most homeowners spend $250 to $900 per project, with a national average near $500. Mobile welders often add a travel fee of about $25 to $100.
Quick Answer
Expect to pay roughly $60 to $125 an hour for a professional welder, or $100 to $250 for a small repair under one foot. TIG, specialty metals, structural and certified work cost more, and many welders set a one- or two-hour minimum. Always compare itemized quotes.
How Much Does a Welder Charge?
Angi’s 2026 welding cost guide lists welding labor at $60 to $125 per hour and gives no single average hourly rate. Project prices are more useful for most homeowners:
| Job | Typical price (Angi) |
|---|---|
| Small repair (under 1 ft) | $100–$250 |
| Medium job (1–10 ft) | $250–$700 |
| Large or custom job (10+ ft) | $700–$2,500 |
| Fence repair | $150–$350 |
| Automotive repair | $100–$600 |
| Decorative metalwork | $200–$900 |
| Gate fabrication | $400–$1,200 |
| Structural steel | $500–$2,500 |
These are national planning ranges from Angi. Local rates, shop minimums and job complexity can move your quote above or below them.
What Raises Welder Prices?
- Welding method: Angi notes MIG and stick tend to be more affordable, while TIG and specialty methods command higher rates.
- Metal type: Aluminum and stainless steel need more preparation and heat control than mild steel, which usually raises labor.
- Complexity and access: Tight tolerances, awkward positions and certification requirements add time and risk.
- Location: Urban markets often charge more, but we found no reliable figure for how much.
- Materials and consumables: Filler metal, gas, grinding discs and replacement steel may be billed separately.
- Minimum fees: Many welders set a one- to two-hour minimum for small jobs.
Note: A low hourly rate can still cost more if the quote leaves out travel, setup, materials or minimum fees.
How Metal Type Changes Welding Costs
Mild steel is usually the easiest and cheapest metal to weld. Aluminum and stainless steel typically cost more because of cleaning, filler choice, heat control and slower work. We could not verify a standard multiplier or per-inch price, so ask each welder how they price these metals.
How Mobile Welding Changes the Price
Mobile welding usually costs more than shop welding because the welder brings equipment to you. Angi says mobile welders often add a travel fee, typically about $25 to $100. Remote sites, emergency calls and after-hours work can raise the bill further. For a deeper look, read our mobile welder cost guide.
Ask whether the travel fee starts from the shop, your city limit or after a set number of miles.
Pro tip: Send clear photos, measurements and metal details before the visit so the welder can quote with fewer surprises.
If You Are the Welder: Setting a Profitable Rate
A rate has to cover labor, consumables, insurance, equipment wear, overhead, taxes and time spent quoting. For the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders earned a median of $25.84 an hour in May 2025, but that is employee pay, not a contractor billing rate. Use our pipe welding pricing guide for a step-by-step method to build a rate from your own costs, and add a minimum service fee for small jobs.
What to Include in a Welding Quote
- Labor rate: the hourly rate or a fixed project price.
- Minimum charge: any one- or two-hour minimum.
- Materials: base metal, filler, wire, rods and shielding gas.
- Travel: mileage, fuel, mobile-service or emergency fees.
- Prep and finishing: cutting, grinding, cleaning, painting and cleanup.
- Exclusions: what the quote does not cover.
Related guides: how to calculate welding cost and how much it costs to weld.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a welder charge per hour?
National guides such as Angi list professional welding labor at about $60 to $125 per hour. Specialized, mobile, TIG, pipe and certified work can cost more.
How much does a small welding repair cost?
Angi lists $100 to $250 for a small repair under one foot, though shop minimums and travel fees can raise the final bill.
Do certifications help welders charge more?
They can when clients need code-level, structural, pipe or inspection-ready work. Your actual rate still depends on your market, experience and the risk of the job.
How do you calculate welding costs?
Add the hourly rate, material costs, consumables, overhead and labor time. Then adjust for metal type, complexity, travel, access and local demand.
Why does TIG welding cost more than MIG welding?
TIG usually costs more because it takes more control, cleaner preparation and slower work. It suits thin metal, stainless steel, aluminum and visible welds.
Conclusion
Most welders charge about $60 to $125 an hour, or $250 to $900 for a typical project. Your quote depends on the method, metal, complexity, travel and minimum fees, so ask for itemized estimates and compare the full scope, not just the hourly rate.
