How much does welding cost?
How much does welding cost?
$50 – $125 average cost per hour
Average welding cost
Welding costs $50 to $125 per hour on average, covering the welder’s hourly wage, equipment, overhead costs, and materials. Welding prices for smaller projects often include a minimum fee of 1 to 2 labor hours. Commercial welders may charge per inch of weld, per pound of materials, or per unit, rather than per hour.
| Project type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Bicycle frame repair | $50 – $150 |
| Automotive exhaust repair | $100 – $300 |
| Metal furniture repair | $50 – $100 |
| Custom furniture fabrication | $300 – $1,500 |
| Small gate installation | $550 – $750 |
| Custom welded fence cost | $85 – $130 per linear foot |
| Pipe repair | $2 – $8 per inch |
*Includes minimum fees
Labor
Labor costs are a significant factor in the overall pricing of welding projects, accounting for 60% to 70% of the total cost. Most welders charge an hourly rate of $50 to $125 per hour on average for smaller, residential welding projects like pipeline work or metal repairs.
Hourly welder prices include more than just an hourly labor rate, they also cover the welder’s equipment, materials, and overhead costs.
Most welders charge a minimum fee of one to two hours of labor, which helps cover their overhead costs for smaller projects.
For minor repairs or jobs involving small items, it is often more cost-effective to take the item to the welding shop rather than pay a higher rate for a mobile welder to come to you.
Materials
Welding projects require several types of materials, all of which contribute to the overall project costs:
Filler metals: These are the consumable materials used to fill the joint between the base metals being welded. Filler metals come in the form of wires, rods, or powders and typically account for around 10% of the total welding expenses.
Base metals: The base metal, such as steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, is the primary material being welded. The type, thickness, and complexity of the base metal directly impact the amount of filler metal and overall welding labor required, which can significantly affect costs.
Supplementary materials: In addition to the filler and base metals, welding projects may also require other materials like sandpaper, grinding discs, and finishing supplies which add to the overall project costs.
Cost for welding by method
Residential welders typically quote welding project costs by the hour. This pricing reflects their skill level and the time it takes to create a strong, lasting weld, not just the amount of material used. The complexity of your project, the welding method required, and the welder's expertise will determine the hourly rate.
| Welding method | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Stick (Shielded metal arc) welding | $50 – $75 |
| Metal inert gas (MIG) welding | $65 – $90 |
| Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding | $75 – $125 |
| Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) | $55 – $90 |
Stick welding
Stick welding is a common and relatively inexpensive welding method, costing around $50 to $75 per hour for residential projects. This type of welding uses a rod with a flux coating to create an intense electrical spark. This spark called an arc, melts both the rod and the metal, fusing them into a strong joint.
Common home projects that use stick welding include:
Repairing metal furniture or outdoor equipment
Fabricating simple metal structures like railings or gates
Welding together metal components
MIG welding
MIG welding typically costs $65 to $90 per hour for residential projects and uses a continuous wire electrode and a shielding gas to protect the weld from the air. This versatile technique is used on a wide range of materials and thicknesses.
Home projects well-suited for MIG welding include:
Repairing or modifying metal car parts or accessories
Fabricating custom metal shelves, racks, or other storage solutions
Welding together metal components for larger projects
TIG welding
TIG welding is typically the most expensive welding method, ranging from $75 to $125 per hour for home projects. This method utilizes a non-wearing tungsten electrode to create the weld. Additionally, a separate filler rod can be introduced as needed.
Throughout the process, an inert gas, such as argon or helium, shields the weld area from air contamination. This protection allows for exceptional control and precision, making TIG welding ideal for intricate or critical welds such as:
Repairing thin, delicate metal items like jewelry or small appliances
Welding together high-quality metal furniture or décor
Fabricating custom metal art or sculptures
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
The cost for FCAW ranges from $55 to $80 per hour. FCAW is similar to MIG welding, but it uses a tubular wire filled with flux instead of a solid wire. The flux creates a shielding gas as it melts and solidifies, protecting the weld from air contamination.
Welders often use FCAW for outdoor work or situations where using a separate shielding gas may be impractical. Common home projects that use FCAW include:
Repairing or modifying metal fencing, gates, or other outdoor structures
Welding together metal components for sheds, gazebos, or other outdoor buildings
Fabricating custom metal brackets, supports, or other structural elements
Welding cost by type of metal
Most welders charge by the hour, and the metal you choose can influence the overall hourly cost. Some metals require more expertise or specialized techniques to weld, potentially leading to a higher hourly rate from the welder. Also, thicker metals take longer to weld due to the heat required to penetrate the material.
The following table details the most common metals used in residential welding, including mild or low-carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
| Metal | Average cost per inch of weld | Project examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (low carbon) steel | $0.50 – $2.00 |
|
| Stainless steel | $1.00 – $3.50 |
|
| Aluminum | $1.25 – $4.00 |
|
While you can weld these additional materials, they are not as common in residential projects due to factors like cost, complexity, or alternative joining methods:
Magnesium alloy: Highly flammable and requires expert handling due to safety risks.
Copper: Soldering is the preferred method for joining copper pipes in plumbing.
Cast Iron: Can be brittle and requires specific techniques by a professional.
Titanium: Very expensive and requires specialized equipment.
Welding cost calculator
Welding project costs hinge on two main factors: labor and metal type. Labor makes up the bulk of the cost, based on the welder's skill, time spent, and project complexity. Also, metals that are easier to weld have lower labor costs compared to more challenging metals or those requiring specialized techniques.
Other factors that affect the cost of a welding project include:
Welding technique: Different welding techniques, such as MIG welding, TIG welding, or Stick welding, have varying costs.
Project complexity: The complexity of the welding project, including the size, shape, and accessibility of the workpiece, can affect the overall cost.
Equipment and consumables: The cost of welding equipment, such as the welding machine, and gas cylinders, and consumables like electrodes or filler metal, can also contribute to the overall expenses.
Location: The geographic location can influence the cost of welding services due to regional variations in labor rates, material costs, and regulatory requirements.
Welding FAQs
How do the welding costs differ for various types of metals?
Some metals, like mild steel, are easier to weld and require less specialized techniques. This translates to a potentially lower hourly rate from the welder. Also, metals like thick stainless steel or those prone to burning (aluminum) take longer to weld safely and properly. This increased labor time leads to a higher hourly rate.
How can I estimate the cost of a welding project?
Most welders charge hourly rates ranging from $50 to $125 per hour. To get a rough estimate from potential welders, briefly describe your project to get a rough time frame for the project, ask for an estimated hourly rate, and inquire about minimum project charges.
Are there any ways to save money on welding costs?
Yes, there are some ways to save money on your welding project, including:
Minimize welder time by handling tasks you can do yourself, such as cleaning and prepping the metal surfaces for welding or gathering any necessary materials beforehand.
Simplify your design to reduce the amount of welding needed without compromising functionality.
Choose mild steel for your project when possible. It's the most affordable and easiest metal to weld, potentially leading to a lower hourly rate from the welder.
For larger projects, hire a mobile welder near you to avoid the expense of transporting your project to the shop.
Getting estimates from welders
When getting estimates from welders, it’s important to get multiple detailed quotes and understand the various cost factors involved in welding work. Here are some additional tips to help you choose the best welder near you:
Focus on the welder's experience and certifications. Experienced welders with specialized skills may charge more per hour but can provide higher-quality work and do it faster.
Ask for detailed estimates that include all the costs involved, including filler and base materials, labor, overhead, and electricity. Many welders use specialized estimating software or spreadsheets to calculate these costs.
Provide the welder with detailed specifications of the job, including dimensions, materials, and any special requirements. This allows them to give you a more accurate estimate.
Be prepared to negotiate, as some welders may initially quote a higher price, leaving room to come down if the customer pushes back.
Questions to ask a welder
Ask potential welders these questions to ensure their qualifications and costs:
Are you licensed or certified as a welder?
Do you have experience welding with the specific type of metal I'm using?
Can you show me examples of your past work similar to my project?
Can you review my project (show pictures or plans if available) and tell me if you can do the welding required?
What type of welding would be best suited for this project and metal?
What is your hourly rate for welding projects? Do you have a minimum project charge?
Based on your initial assessment, can you provide a rough estimate of the total project cost?
How long will the project take to complete?
Are there any potential challenges you foresee with this project based on the metal and design?
Do you have liability insurance to cover any potential damage during the project?
Will you need me to prepare the work area in any way before you begin?
Will you handle any necessary cleanup after the project is complete?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.