Joining two pieces of metal, such as stainless steel, copper, or any other type of metal, together isn’t a simple process. It requires experience and skill; both come at a hefty premium. So, if you have a welding job on your plate, it’s best to call in a professional.

However, finding the right one for your project can be daunting, with welders charging between $25 to $100 per hour. So, here’s a cost guide to help you find the right welder for the right price.

What’s in this Cost Guide?

In this cost guide, we’ll tell you about the factors determining a welder’s rates, how much welders charge in each state, and how to calculate the potential welding costs for your project.

What are the variables that determine welding costs?

When it comes to welding services, there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag. Several factors can influence the overall cost of your welding project:

• Experience: Hiring experienced welders will naturally be more expensive than inexperienced ones. But, in the long run, it may be worth paying the premium because these tradies typically don’t make as many mistakes and are quicker to finish the job. Their work is also often superior, which can be crucial in some jobs. Plus, some welders work better with certain metals such as stainless steel, copper, and others.
• Certifications: There are currently nine levels of welding certifications issued by the Australian Welding Institute. The higher a welder’s rank, the higher the hourly wage you have to pay for their services. Some welders also specialise in underwater welding, which requires another set of training and certificates.
• Geographical Location: Supply and demand also greatly affect how much welders charge for their services. For example, welders in Perth charge $40/hour compared to $32/hour in Sydney. Typically, the cost is lower in areas with more market saturation for welders.
• Type of Job (Complexity): The cost of a welding job is also heavily influenced by the type of work you’re hiring a welder to do. For example, an underwater welder can charge double the amount of an average welder because the job requires specialised training and equipment. The same goes for welders specialising in industrial, pipeline or pressure vessel welding.

What are the rates per state?

Welding costs can also vary depending on which state you live in due to factors such as demand and cost of living. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the rates:

How much does a welder charge?

The big question: how much can you expect to shell out on welding services on average? The numbers can range from around $25 to $100 per hour. While that might seem quite the range, remember that the cost will depend on factors such as experience, complexity, and area rates. Always make sure to get a quote upfront to avoid any surprises!
Welders also need to get paid for the materials they use during the job. This means you’ll have to pay extra for wires, electrodes, grinding wheels, etc.

How to find an affordable welding cost?

Here are some practical tips to help you find an affordable welding cost:

• Get multiple quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare prices.
• Ask for a breakdown of costs: Knowing the explicit costs will ensure hidden fees don’t blindside you.
• Consider the quality of work: A cheap quote doesn’t always guarantee the best results, so weigh the costs and the quality of work offered.

How do you calculate welding costs?

Lastly, here’s a quick breakdown of how to calculate welding costs. Start by determining the cost of materials, then add the labour hours multiplied by the hourly rate.

Don’t forget to consider additional costs, such as transportation or special techniques required for the project. If the job requires underwater welding, for example, you may need to factor in oxygen tanks and SCUBA gear rental to the final costs.

People Also Ask

What do most welders charge per hour?

Welders typically charge hourly wages, materials, transportation, and other work-related expenses. So, the total cost per hour depends on these factors.

How much do welders charge per hour in Australia?

According to Payscale, the national average is $28.24 per hour, including those still in the apprenticeship level. However, an individual welder can charge higher or lower than this, depending on the experience, job type, and other factors mentioned above.

How much does MIG welding cost per hour?

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is one of the most common types of welding used in building construction and automotive manufacturing and repair. Therefore, the national average for this type of welding is lower at $27.53 per hour.

How do you estimate the welding cost?

A welding project’s total cost can be estimated by adding the cost of materials to the hourly rate multiplied by the estimated number of hours needed to finish the project. The difficulty is in looking for a welder with enough skill and experience to finish the job within the deadline and with outputs that meet your standards.