A Welder's Guide to Carrollton, Texas

As someone who’s spent years analyzing Dallas-Fort Worth employment trends and knows the backroads of Carrollton like the back of my hand, I can tell you this isn't your typical Texas boomtown. Carrollton sits in the sweet spot of the metroplex—far enough from downtown Dallas to avoid the gridlock, but plugged into a dense network of manufacturers, logistics hubs, and specialized fabrication shops. If you're a welder eyeing this area, you’re looking at a stable market with specific niches: aerospace components, custom automotive parts, and industrial equipment servicing. The cost of living is slightly above the US average but manageable if you know where to look. Let’s break down exactly what your life as a welder looks like here, from the paycheck to the commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Carrollton Stands

The median salary for a welder in Carrollton is $50,080 per year, which breaks down to roughly $24.08 per hour. This is a hair above the national average of $49,590 per year, putting Carrollton in a competitive position for skilled trades. However, this median masks a wide range based on specialty, experience, and employer. The metro area supports about 264 jobs for welders, a modest but steady number. The 10-year job growth projection is 2%, which signals stability rather than explosive growth. This isn't a market flooded with new openings, but the existing demand is consistent, especially for welders with certifications in high-pressure or precision work.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Wage progression in Carrollton follows the typical trade trajectory but is boosted by proximity to high-value industries like aerospace. The table below outlines expected earnings at different career stages.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $44,000	$18.25 - $21.15
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$48,000 - $58,000	$23.08 - $27.88
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$55,000 - $72,000	$26.44 - $34.62
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$65,000 - $85,000+	$31.25 - $40.87+

Note: Expert-level salaries often include shift differentials, overtime, and bonuses, especially in manufacturing or union shops.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Carrollton’s median of $50,080 sits comfortably in the middle of the pack for major Texas metros. It outpaces smaller markets but lags behind energy-heavy hubs.

City	Median Salary (Welder)	Key Industries
Carrollton	$50,080	Aerospace, Auto Parts, Logistics
Houston	$52,340	Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals
Austin	$49,120	Tech Manufacturing, EVs
Dallas	$50,210	General Manufacturing, Defense
San Antonio	$47,890	Military, Automotive
Lubbock	$45,500	Agriculture, Wind Energy

Carrollton holds its own against Dallas, with a slight cost-of-living advantage. It’s not the highest-paying market, but the variety of employers reduces dependency on a single industry.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. With a median salary of $50,080, your take-home pay in Texas (no state income tax) will be roughly $3,250 per month after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Carrollton rents for $1,291 per month. That’s a significant chunk—about 40% of your take-home pay—leaving you with about $1,959 for utilities, food, transportation, and savings. Texas has no state income tax, which helps, but property taxes are high (around 2.1% in Denton County), which we’ll factor into home buying.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Adult, No Dependents)

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a welder earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR)	$1,291	40%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	5.5%
Groceries & Food	$350	11%
Transportation (Gas, Insurance)	$250	7.7%
Healthcare (Insurance, Out-of-Pocket)	$200	6.2%
Savings/Debt/Discretionary	$979	30.1%
Total	$3,250	100%

This budget is tight but feasible, assuming you live frugally. The $979 leftover is your buffer for car payments, student loans, or building savings. If you have a partner or family, these numbers change drastically.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

The median home price in Carrollton is approximately $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would require a monthly payment of about $1,860 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). That’s 57% of your take-home pay—well above the recommended 30%. For a welder earning the median, buying alone is challenging without a significant down payment or dual income. However, many welders in the area buy in neighboring cities like Lewisville or The Colony, where prices are slightly lower, or opt for townhomes/condos. Insider Tip: Look into Texas Veterans Housing Assistance programs if you have military service; they offer favorable terms.

Where the Jobs Are: Carrollton's Major Employers

Carrollton’s job market is anchored by its location in the Dallas North Tollway corridor, a manufacturing and logistics powerhouse. The following employers are active in hiring welders, based on recent job postings and industry reports. Hiring trends show a steady demand for welders with AWS D1.1 and D1.2 certifications, particularly for aluminum and stainless steel work.

1. L3Harris Technologies (Carrollton Plant): A major aerospace and defense contractor. They specialize in precision welding for avionics and communication systems. Hiring is consistent but competitive; they often require security clearance and experience with TIG welding on thin-gauge metals. Pay is at the higher end of the scale, often exceeding the median.

2. Capitol Rock & Aggregate (North Carrollton): A construction materials supplier with a fabrication shop. They need welders for custom metal fabrication, structural steel, and repair work for heavy equipment. This is a more traditional, hands-on environment with frequent overtime opportunities.

3. Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing (West Carrollton): A supplier of custom metal components for the oil and gas industry. They specialize in pipeline fittings and structural welds. Hiring is tied to energy sector cycles, but they maintain a core team. Experience with stick welding (SMAW) is often required here.

4. Pioneer Equipment Company (South Carrollton): A manufacturer of agricultural and industrial trailers. This shop focuses on MIG and flux-core welding for high-volume production. It’s a good entry point for mid-level welders, with clear production quotas and opportunities to move into lead or supervisor roles.

5. Carrollton Fabrication & Machining (Central Carrollton): A mid-sized custom shop serving local industries. They handle everything from prototype work to small-batch production. This is a great place to diversify skills across different metals and processes. Hiring is often based on a portfolio of past projects.

6. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Carrollton (Maintenance Department): Often overlooked, hospitals employ welders for facility maintenance—repairing railings, gates, and medical equipment racks. These jobs offer stable hours, benefits, and often a union environment. They prioritize safety and adherence to strict codes.

7. Dallas County Welding Services (Contractor based in Carrollton): A mobile welding service that serves the entire metroplex. They hire contract welders for on-site repairs at construction sites, industrial plants, and even emergency calls. This is for the welder who prefers variety and doesn’t mind traveling within a 50-mile radius.

Hiring Trend Insight: The aerospace and defense sector (L3Harris) is the most stable, while construction and oil/gas (Capitol Rock, Gulf Coast) are more cyclical. The tightest labor market is for welders with AWS certifications and experience with robotic welding or welding procedure specifications (WPS).

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-specific welder’s license, but it does have stringent requirements for certain industries, particularly in pipe welding and pressure vessels. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees many trades, but for most manufacturing and fabrication, certification is the key.

• Core Requirements: Most employers require a Certified Welder credential from the American Welding Society (AWS). This involves passing a practical test on a specific procedure (e.g., AWS D1.1 for structural steel). The test costs $150-$300 per qualification. For pipe welding, you may need ASME Section IX certification, which is more expensive and often employer-sponsored.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, expect 6-12 months of training. Community colleges like North Lake College (Carrollton Campus) offer certificate programs (6-9 months, $4,000-$6,000). Apprenticeships through the North Texas Carpenters & Millwrights Local 1269 or Iron Workers Local 263 can take 3-4 years but include paid work experience and benefits.
• Cost Breakdown:
  • AWS Certification Test: $150 - $300
  • Community College Certificate Program: $4,000 - $6,000
  • Apprenticeship: Tuition waived (earn while you learn)
  • Additional Certs (e.g., NCCER): $200 - $500

Insider Tip: Many local shops, especially those in aerospace, will pay for your certification tests if you’re hired on a probationary basis. It’s a common practice to ask about this during an interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Carrollton has distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute to major employers. Rent estimates are for a 1-bedroom apartment, though many welders opt for shared housing or older, more affordable complexes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for Welders
Old Downtown Carrollton	Historic, walkable, close to I-35E. 10-15 min to most employers.	$1,350 - $1,500	Short commutes, local eateries, and a tight-knit community feel. Older apartments are more affordable.
Valley Ranch	Family-oriented, newer builds, near the Dallas North Tollway. 15-20 min to employers.	$1,400 - $1,600	Great for those with families. Very safe, but rent is on the higher side.
North Carrollton / Hebron	Industrial-commercial blend, close to I-35E and 121. 5-15 min to many shops.	$1,200 - $1,350	Best for proximity. Many major employers are here or just minutes away. Less scenic, but practical.
The Colony (adjacent)	Suburban, lake-oriented, a short drive to Carrollton. 20-30 min commute.	$1,250 - $1,400	More green space and amenities. Worth the slightly longer commute for a better quality of life.
Lewisville (adjacent)	Diverse, vibrant, with a larger downtown. 15-25 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,350	More nightlife and entertainment options. Direct access to I-35E makes commuting straightforward.

Commute Reality: Traffic on I-35E and the Dallas North Tollway can be heavy during rush hour. Living in North Carrollton or Hebron can cut your commute to under 15 minutes for many jobs, saving you time and gas money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 2% growth projection over 10 years means you won’t see a flood of new jobs, but the demand for skilled welders remains strong. The path to higher earnings lies in specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • TIG Welding (GTAW): +$3 to $5/hour premium, especially in aerospace (L3Harris) and food-grade stainless fabrication.
  • Pipe Welding (ASME Certified): +$5 to $10/hour premium, common in Gulf Coast Supply and oil/gas contractors.
  • Robotics & Automation: +$4 to $7/hour. Shops are increasingly using robotic welders; welders who can program, operate, and maintain them are in high demand.
  • Welding Inspector (CWI): After 5-7 years, you can pursue an AWS Certified Welding Inspector credential, moving from hands-on work to a quality assurance role with a salary of $70,000+.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Welder → Lead Welder → Shop Supervisor: The most common path. Requires strong communication and leadership skills. Pay jumps to the $65,000 - $85,000 range.
  2. Welder → Fabricator → Estimator: Move into the office side, quoting jobs and managing projects. Requires learning CAD software (like SolidWorks) and business skills.
  3. Welder → Self-Employed: Many experienced welders start mobile welding businesses or small fabrication shops. This carries high risk but the highest earning potential. Success depends on building a client base and managing overhead.

10-Year Outlook: The aerospace and defense sector in Carrollton is expected to grow steadily due to federal spending and local innovation. The construction sector will remain variable. The most future-proof welders will be those who embrace technology—robotics, 3D printing with metal, and advanced NDT (non-destructive testing) methods.

The Verdict: Is Carrollton Right for You?

Carrollton offers a balanced proposition for welders: a stable job market with a modest cost of living, but not the highest wages or fastest growth. It’s ideal for those seeking a family-friendly environment with easy access to the amenities of Dallas.

Pros	Cons
Above-average median salary ($50,080) for the region.	High rent consumes ~40% of take-home pay.
Stable, diverse employer base (aerospace, construction, logistics).	Job growth (2%) is slow; competition for top-tier jobs is real.
No state income tax boosts take-home pay.	High property taxes make home ownership challenging on a single income.
Excellent local training programs (North Lake College, trade schools).	Traffic congestion on major corridors during peak hours.
Family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools.	Limited nightlife compared to Dallas or Austin.

Final Recommendation: Carrollton is a strong choice for mid-career welders (3-10 years of experience) looking to settle down, especially if you have a family or a partner with dual income. It’s less ideal for entry-level welders just starting out, as the cost of living may be tight on a starting wage. For those specializing in TIG, pipe, or robotic welding, it’s a particularly good market. If you’re willing to live just outside the city in The Colony or Lewisville, you can improve your quality of life without a major commute hit. For the self-motivated welder with an entrepreneurial spirit, Carrollton’s stable economy provides a solid foundation for starting a local contract business.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a specific certification to get hired in Carrollton?
A: While Texas doesn’t mandate a state license, AWS (American Welding Society) certification is the industry standard and often required by employers like L3Harris and Capitol Rock. For pipe welding, ASME Section IX certification is key. Without certifications, you’ll likely start in entry-level production roles.

Q: Is the job market for welders saturated in Carrollton?
A: Not saturated, but competitive. With only 264 jobs in the metro and 2% growth, you need to stand out. Having AWS certifications, a clean driving record, and experience with in-demand processes (TIG, robotic) will give you an edge. Networking through local trade groups or unions can uncover hidden opportunities.

Q: What’s the commute like from Carrollton to major employers?
A: Most major employers are within Carrollton or adjacent cities (Lewisville, The Colony). Commutes are typically 10-25 minutes via I-35E, Dallas North Tollway, or