Welder vs. CNC Machinist: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Welders earn a median of $53,750 a year, while CNC machinists earn $58,750 (BLS, May 2025), so machinists tend to earn more at the middle of the pay range. Entry pay is almost identical, and welding has faster job growth and more annual openings. Pick welding if you want a portable, hands-on skill used across construction and manufacturing, and pick CNC machining if you prefer precise, indoor work with machines and programming.
Choosing between a career as a welder and a CNC machinist is one of the most common decisions people face when entering the skilled trades. Both are solid, in-demand careers, but they differ in pay, work environment, training requirements, and long-term outlook.
This guide breaks down the key differences using current Bureau of Labor Statistics data so you can make an informed decision.
Welder vs. CNC Machinist at a Glance
| Category | Welder | CNC Machinist |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,750 | $58,750 |
| Median Hourly | $25.84 | $28.24 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $39,240 | $39,200 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $77,530 | $80,010 |
| Total Employed | 416,210 | 287,050 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 2.2% (slower than average) | 0% (little or no change) |
| Annual Job Openings | 45,600 | 29,500 |
| Typical Training | 7 months to 2 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | 1 to 2 years (trade school or apprenticeship) |
| Work Setting | Fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, pipelines | Manufacturing plants, machine shops, aerospace and automotive facilities |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (BLS, May 2025); Employment Projections (2024-2034).
Salary Comparison
CNC machinists earn a higher median salary by about $5,000 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Here is how pay breaks down across experience levels:
| Pay Level | Welder | CNC Machinist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $39,240 | $39,200 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $46,790 | $47,570 |
| Median | $53,750 | $58,750 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $63,010 | $67,700 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $77,530 | $80,010 |
Wage figures: BLS, May 2025.
Keep in mind that salaries vary by state, metro area, union membership, specialization, and overtime. Both trades frequently offer overtime that can push annual earnings well above the median.
Job Outlook and Demand
Welder jobs are projected to grow faster (2.2% vs. 0%) through 2034.
| Metric | Welder | CNC Machinist |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 416,210 | 287,050 |
| Projected Growth | 2.2% | 0% |
| Annual Openings | 45,600 | 29,500 |
Employment and outlook: BLS, May 2025 and Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 45,600 openings per year for welders and 29,500 for CNC machinists, both fields offer steady hiring prospects.
Training and Education
Welder: Trade school welding program or on-the-job training. Training typically takes 7 months to 2 years through a trade school or apprenticeship. Key certifications include AWS Certified Welder credentials, API 1104 for pipeline work, and ASME Section IX for code welding.
CNC Machinist: CNC training program or apprenticeship. Training typically takes 1 to 2 years through a trade school or apprenticeship. Key certifications include NIMS credentials, the industry standard for machining and CNC operation.
Both careers reward hands-on training, and many employers prefer candidates who hold a recognized certification before working independently.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Welder: Welders typically work in fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, and along pipelines. Physical demands include standing for long periods, exposure to heat and fumes, and heavy lifting.
CNC Machinist: CNC machinists typically work in manufacturing plants, machine shops, and aerospace and automotive facilities. Physical demands include standing for long periods, lifting metal stock, and exposure to coolants.
Career Advancement
Welder: The typical career path runs from entry-level welder to certified welder, welding inspector, and welding engineer.
CNC Machinist: The typical career path runs from operator to setup machinist, CNC programmer, and shop lead.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced welders and CNC machinists often start their own contracting businesses, which can raise earning potential.
Which Career Should You Choose?
Choose welder if you:
- Enjoy precision handwork and shaping metal
- Want a portable skill that works in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas
- Are willing to earn specialty certifications for higher-paying niche work
- Prefer project-based work that lets you see tangible results
Choose CNC machinist if you:
- Prefer working indoors with machines, tooling, and computer programming
- Like precise, repeatable work measured to tight tolerances
- Want a higher median wage and steady manufacturing demand
- Enjoy moving from operating machines to setup and programming over time
There is no wrong answer here. Both are respected, well-paying trades with steady demand across the country. Your decision should come down to which type of work interests you more on a daily basis.
Related Resources
- Learn more about how to become a welder
- Learn more about how to become a CNC machinist
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Do welders or CNC machinists make more money?
CNC machinists earn more on average. The median wage for machinists is $58,750 a year, compared with $53,750 for welders (BLS, May 2025). That is a gap of about $5,000 per year at the middle of the pay range.
Is welder or CNC machinist a better career?
Both are strong, in-demand trades. CNC machinists earn a higher median salary, while welder jobs are projected to grow faster (2.2% vs. 0%) through 2034 (BLS). The right choice comes down to whether you prefer hands-on metal joining or precise machine setup and programming.
How much do welders and CNC machinists earn at the top of the pay scale?
Top earners (90th percentile) make $77,530 a year as welders and $80,010 as CNC machinists (BLS, May 2025). The bottom 10% earn around $39,240 for welders and $39,200 for machinists, so entry pay is nearly identical.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both trades are open to people with a high school diploma. Welders typically train for 7 months to 2 years, while CNC machinists usually need 1 to 2 years. Neither requires a college degree, and much of the learning happens on the job or through apprenticeships.
Can you switch from welder to CNC machinist?
Yes. Skills like reading blueprints, working safely around metal, and using precision measuring tools carry over between the two trades. You would need added training on CNC programming and machine setup, and credentials such as NIMS for machining.
What certifications matter for each trade?
Welders often pursue AWS Certified Welder credentials, plus API 1104 for pipeline work and ASME Section IX for code welding. CNC machinists commonly earn NIMS credentials, which are the industry standard for machining and CNC operation.
Which trade has more job openings each year?
Welding has more openings. There are about 45,600 annual openings for welders and 29,500 for CNC machinists (BLS, 2024 to 2034). Welding also employs far more people, with 416,210 welders compared with 287,050 machinists.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.