Do truck drivers make more than welders?

When it comes to blue-collar jobs that don’t require much (if any) higher education, truck drivers and welders are the main career choices. Perhaps you are considering one or the other. Or maybe you are already doing one of these jobs, and you are interested in another. The burning question remains… Do truck drivers make more than welders?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Truck drivers make more money than welders. But this answer is based on national (US) averages only. Of course there are many exceptions. For example… a career welder with decades of experience who has worked for the same company most of their career will almost certainly earn more than a rookie truck driver who is just starting out.

To answer the question roughly, we must base the answer on actual salary data derived from the US average for each occupation. Let’s dig in and compare some numbers!

How much does an average truck driver earn?

Annual income for truck drivers can vary greatly depending on what type of trucking business or job we are talking about and the compensation model. Some truck drivers get paid by the mile, others are paid hourly. Location is another big factor, as truck drivers are paid more in some areas of the United States and less in others.

At the time I write this, Average base salary for a truck driver In America $77,565 per year, according to data reported and collected on indeed.com. This average can range from a reported low average salary of $51,033 per year to a reported high salary of $117,890 per year.

Note: Click the link above for up-to-date statistics and data on truck driver salaries in America from indeed.com.

Related Read: 10 Revealing Statistics About Truck Driving Careers

How much does an average welder earn?

Annual income for welders will vary, based on the type of welding required for the job and whether the welder is skilled at fabrication. Someone who only does welding is usually paid less than a skilled welder and fabricator. Location is another factor, as welders are paid higher wages in some areas of the United States and less in others.

At the time I write this, Average base salary for a welder In America $44,325 per year, according to data reported and collected on indeed.com. This average can range from a reported average low salary of $31,701 per year to a high salary of $61,976 per year.

At the time I write this, Average base salary for a Welders and Fabricators In America $64,500 per year, according to data reported and collected on indeed.com. This average can range from a reported average low salary of $47,103 per year to a high salary of $88,323 per year.

Note: Click the links above for up-to-date statistics and data on welder salaries in America from indeed.com.

Do truck drivers make more than welders?

Even though truck drivers are not considered rich, they make more money than welders. The same is true if we compare the annual salary of the average truck driver to that of a highly skilled welder and fabricator. The average truck driver in America earns about $13,000 more per year than the average earning welder and fabricator.

Again, here are the average overall salaries for each occupation, as reported on indeed.com at the time of publication…

• Truck Driver – $77,565
• Welders and Fabricators – $64,500
• Welder – $44,325

Time is money

However, money is not the only consideration when choosing a career path (or job). Have you ever heard the saying, “Time is money?” It is true. Time can sometimes be more valuable than money. When trying to decide between a truck driving career vs. a welding career, you’ll want to look at the time commitments for each.

As a truck driver myself – I can tell you that there is no such thing as a set schedule for a truck driver. Even if you work local truck driving like me… you may start at the same time every day but you never know when your day will end. It all depends on where you go that day and what happens at each stop.

Many welders work in factories or shops where they have set schedules. When your shift ends, you clock off and go home. If you value your time away from work more than the potential money you can make – you may want to consider a career in welding over a career in trucking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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