Fastest-Growing Welder Job Markets in the US (2025)
US metro areas where welders jobs grew fastest from May 2020 to May 2025, ranked by 5-year employment growth. Limited to metros with at least 200 welders employed (small markets are excluded because percentage swings on tiny bases aren't a reliable signal).
| # | Metro | Employment 2025 | Employment 2020 | 5-yr growth | Median wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntsville, AL | 1,810 | 820 | up 120.7% | $44,020 |
| 2 | Tallahassee, FL | 220 | 120 | up 83.3% | $47,130 |
| 3 | Akron, OH | 1,170 | 640 | up 82.8% | $50,340 |
| 4 | Jacksonville, FL | 1,420 | 800 | up 77.5% | $50,640 |
| 5 | Cleveland, OH | 3,510 | 2,040 | up 72.1% | $49,040 |
| 6 | North Port, FL | 910 | 540 | up 68.5% | $51,820 |
| 7 | Colorado Springs, CO | 470 | 280 | up 67.9% | $55,270 |
| 8 | Providence, RI | 2,490 | 1,560 | up 59.6% | $52,800 |
| 9 | Lincoln, NE | 820 | 530 | up 54.7% | $53,990 |
| 10 | Beaumont, TX | 1,980 | 1,280 | up 54.7% | $59,190 |
| 11 | Boulder, CO | 260 | 170 | up 52.9% | $65,040 |
| 12 | Wilmington, NC | 260 | 170 | up 52.9% | $55,340 |
| 13 | Lubbock, TX | 500 | 330 | up 51.5% | $46,760 |
| 14 | Albany, NY | 550 | 370 | up 48.6% | $59,390 |
| 15 | Sacramento, CA | 1,530 | 1,040 | up 47.1% | $57,290 |
| 16 | Reading, PA | 870 | 600 | up 45.0% | $54,840 |
| 17 | San Juan, PR | 1,240 | 870 | up 42.5% | $30,390 |
| 18 | Nashville, TN | 2,590 | 1,820 | up 42.3% | $49,460 |
| 19 | Fort Collins, CO | 440 | 310 | up 41.9% | $59,660 |
| 20 | El Paso, TX | 650 | 460 | up 41.3% | $45,000 |
| 21 | Anchorage, AK | 250 | 180 | up 38.9% | $74,000 |
| 22 | Montgomery, AL | 560 | 410 | up 36.6% | $47,880 |
| 23 | Knoxville, TN | 1,780 | 1,310 | up 35.9% | $48,040 |
| 24 | Phoenix, AZ | 5,440 | 4,060 | up 34.0% | $56,540 |
| 25 | San Antonio, TX | 2,510 | 1,900 | up 32.1% | $48,220 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2020 and May 2025.