Across U.S. metros, welders typically earn $1,745 more a year than appliance repair technicians (3%). In the 124 metros where BLS publishes both, appliance repair technicians earn more in 44 and welders in 79.
| Appliance Repair Technician | Welder | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $50,540 | $52,285 |
| Lowest metro median | $34,320 | $28,450 |
| Highest metro median | $86,940 | $85,790 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.9% | +2.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 2,800 | 40,300 |
| Self-employed | 20% | 4% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 327 | 43 |
| Metros with pay data | 125 | 382 |
On safety, appliance repair technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (327 vs. 43 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where appliance repair technicians out-earn welders the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where welders out-earn appliance repair technicians the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, appliance repair technicians earn more in 11 states and welders in 39. The gap favors appliance repair technicians most in Massachusetts ($8,180) and welders most in New Mexico ($22,400).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: sometimes for appliance repair technicians, rarely for welders. Cramped spaces and awkward positions: often for appliance repair technicians, occasionally for welders.
| Appliance Repair Technician | Welder | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Rarely | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Rarely | Rarely |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Occasionally | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Appliance Repair Technician
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
Welder
Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
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