Across U.S. metros, industrial machinery mechanics typically earn $11,580 more a year than welders (22%). In the 378 metros where BLS publishes both, industrial machinery mechanics earn more in 361 and welders in 16.
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | Welder | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $63,865 | $52,285 |
| Lowest metro median | $31,260 | $28,450 |
| Highest metro median | $96,950 | $85,790 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +17.8% | +2.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 44,400 | 40,300 |
| Self-employed | 1% | 4% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 54 | 43 |
| Metros with pay data | 388 | 382 |
On safety, industrial machinery mechanics report more injuries that cause missed work (54 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 industrial machinery mechanics out-earn welders the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where welders out-earn industrial machinery mechanics the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
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.
Compare one trade across two cities →