Welder in Tyler, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Tyler Stands

If you’re a welder looking at Tyler, let’s start with the numbers that matter. In Tyler, the median salary for welders is $48,459/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.3/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $49,590/year, but that small gap is telling. Tyler’s cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, which we’ll break down later, meaning your dollar stretches further here than it would in most other cities.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are currently 220 welding jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 2%. This isn’t a boomtown for welders, but it’s a steady, reliable market with a consistent need for skilled trades, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and construction. The metro population of 110,325 supports a diverse industrial base without the intense competition you might find in larger Texas hubs like Houston or Dallas.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a realistic breakdown of experience levels and what you can expect to earn in Tyler:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Tyler Salary Range	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $44,000	Local fab shops, smaller construction contractors, maintenance roles
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$48,000 - $56,000	Tyler Pipe & Coupling, Winfield Solutions, Tygard Machine & Tool
Senior	8-15 years	$57,000 - $68,000	Tyler Energy (oil & gas support), large-scale manufacturing leads, union shops
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$69,000+	NDT (non-destructive testing) inspectors, pipeline welding, project management

When you compare Tyler to other Texas cities, the salary difference becomes clearer. While a welder in Austin might earn closer to the national average ($49,590), the rent there is often double what it is in Tyler. Houston and Dallas pay more ($52,000+), but the job competition and cost of living are also higher. Tyler offers a middle-ground: a solid wage that goes much further, with less competition for jobs.

Insider Tip: The $48,459 median is a starting point. Unionized positions or specialized roles (like TIG welding for aerospace or pipeline work) can push you into the $60,000+ range even with mid-level experience. Always ask about overtime and shift differentials during interviews—these can add 10-15% to your annual income.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what you actually keep. For a welder earning the median salary of $48,459, after federal and state taxes (using Texas’s no-state-income-tax status), your take-home pay is roughly $39,500/year or about $3,292/month.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tyler is $1,009/month. This leaves you with $2,283/month for all other expenses—utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and savings. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR)	$1,009	Average across the city; varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$150 - $200	Higher in summer due to A/C use. Tyler summers are hot and humid.
Groceries	$350 - $400	H-E-B and Brookshire’s are the dominant local grocers.
Transportation (Fuel, Insurance)	$250 - $300	Most welders drive trucks; gas is cheaper than national average.
Health Insurance	$200 - $350	Employer plans vary. Tyler has major hospitals (Christus, UT Health).
Miscellaneous (Phone, Internet)	$150 - $200	AT&T and Suddenlink are primary providers.
Savings/Debt	$500+	Highly variable. Aim for at least 10% of take-home.
Total	~$2,500 - $2,650	Leaves a small buffer for entertainment or emergencies.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but it’s a stretch on a single median salary. The median home price in Tyler is around $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would mean a monthly payment of $1,100 - $1,200 (including taxes and insurance). This is only slightly more than the average rent. However, saving $45,000 for a down payment would take years on this salary unless you have a partner with income or significant savings. Many welders in Tyler buy homes after gaining senior-level experience or with a dual-income household.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially in manufacturing, offer 401(k) matches. Take it. The compound growth is your best path to a down payment. Also, look for homes in the $180,000 - $200,000 range in the suburbs or older parts of town—they’re more affordable for a single income.

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Where the Jobs Are: Tyler’s Major Employers

Tyler’s economy is anchored in manufacturing, healthcare, and energy. For welders, the most significant opportunities are in industrial manufacturing and supporting the oil and gas supply chain. Here are the major local employers you should target:

1. Tyler Pipe & Coupling (a division of McWane, Inc.): A cornerstone of Tyler’s manufacturing scene for over a century. They produce ductile iron pipe and fittings. This is a major employer with steady demand for welders for maintenance and production. Hiring Trend: Stable, with occasional hiring for new production lines or maintenance turnover. Unionized shop with good benefits.
2. Winfield Solutions (a division of Marmon Holdings/Berkshire Hathaway): Manufactures agricultural and construction equipment parts. They have a large facility in Tyler and rely on welders for fabrication and assembly. Hiring Trend: Growth-oriented, tied to agricultural markets. Often hires for both entry and mid-level positions.
3. Tygard Machine & Tool Co.: A custom machine shop and fabrication house. They work on everything from oilfield components to custom steel structures. This is a great spot for welders with varied skills (MIG, TIG, stick). Hiring Trend: Project-based hiring; can be busier when the local oil and gas sector is strong.
4. Tyler Energy (and supporting oilfield service companies): While not a single employer, the network of companies supporting the East Texas oil and gas fields (e.g., pipeline maintenance, valve repair, tank fabrication) is a key source of welder jobs. Companies like Midsouth or Cameron have local operations. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, following oil prices. Currently moderate.
5. City of Tyler & Smith County Public Works: Municipalities need welders for maintaining water/wastewater infrastructure, fleet vehicles (city trucks, buses), and public facilities. Hiring Trend: Consistent, government-stable jobs with excellent benefits and pensions.
6. Construction Firms (e.g., Robins & Morton, local contractors): Large commercial and institutional projects (like the new UT Tyler medical school expansion) require welders for structural steel, rebar, and mechanical systems. Hiring Trend: Project-specific, but with multiple ongoing developments in the region.
7. Tyler ISD Maintenance Department: School districts need welders for repairing fences, bleachers, HVAC supports, and other campus infrastructure. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on preventative maintenance.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not posted on national job boards. Check the “Careers” pages of these specific companies directly. Also, walk into local union halls (like the Ironworkers or Boilermakers) if you have your certifications. They often have direct-hire opportunities that don’t get advertised widely.

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Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-level welder licensing requirement for general fabrication work. However, having the right certifications is non-negotiable for getting hired. The most common and valuable is the American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder credential.

Requirements & Process:

1. Certifications: The primary one is the AWS Certified Welder (CW). This is a performance-based test for specific processes (e.g., GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, SMAW/Stick) and positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 6G). Employers will specify which they need. For pipeline work, you’ll need additional certifications like API 1104.
2. Cost: Testing fees range from $150 - $350 per test, depending on the testing facility. AWS membership is optional but can reduce costs.
3. Testing Facilities: In Tyler, you can get tested at technical schools like Tyler Junior College (TJC) or through private testing centers. TJC’s welding program is a top resource for training and certification.
4. Timeline: If you’re already a skilled welder, you can schedule a test and get certified within days. If you need training, a certificate program at TJC can take 6-12 months. An associate’s degree in welding technology takes about 2 years.

Additional Considerations:

• OSHA 10-Hour/30-Hour: Many employers require this safety certification. It’s a short course (1-2 days) and costs around $50 - $150.
• DOT Physical: If you’ll be driving a company vehicle or working on pipelines, you’ll need a Department of Transportation physical.

Insider Tip: Call the HR departments of your target employers (like Tyler Pipe or Winfield) and ask, “What welding certifications are you currently looking for?” This tells you exactly what to get tested on. It’s a 5-minute call that can save you months of effort.

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Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Tyler affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that are popular with industrial workers, balancing commute time, rent, and local amenities.

Neighborhood / Area	Vibe & Commute to Major Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Pros & Cons
South Tyler / Old Jacksonville Hwy	Close to Winfield, Tyler Pipe (5-15 min). More suburban, family-friendly.	$950 - $1,100	Pro: Short commute, good schools, established communities. Con: Can be pricier.
West Tyler / Loop 323	Central location, easy access to most of the city. Mix of older homes and apartments.	$900 - $1,050	Pro: Central, good value, close to shopping/dining. Con: Traffic can be busy on the Loop.
North Tyler / FM 2493	More rural feel, larger lots, lower rents. Commute to industrial areas is 15-25 mins.	$800 - $950	Pro: Cheaper rent, more space, quieter. Con: Longer commute, fewer amenities nearby.
Glenwood / Downtown	Urban living, walkable. Near UT Tyler and downtown restaurants.	$1,100 - $1,300	Pro: Vibrant, close to entertainment. Con: Higher rent, longer commute to industrial parks (15-20 mins).
Chapel Hill / Bullard (Outskirts)	Very suburban, top-rated schools, newer developments.	$1,000 - $1,200	Pro: Excellent schools, quiet, new apartments. Con: Furthest commute (25-35 mins to most employers).

Insider Tip: If you’re single or value a short commute, look for an apartment in South or West Tyler. If you’re looking to save aggressively for a house, North Tyler offers the lowest rents. Always check the commute during your interview process—traffic in Tyler is light compared to major metros, but the 15-minute drive at 7 AM can feel long if you’re not used to it.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Welding in Tyler is a solid career, but to maximize your earnings, you need a plan. The 10-year job growth of 2% means competition for the best jobs will remain steady, so specialization is key.

Specialty Premiums:

• TIG Welding (GTAW): In high demand for aerospace, food-grade, and high-purity applications. Can add a $3-$5/hour premium.
• Stainless Steel & Exotic Alloys: Needed in food processing (like Pilgrim’s Pride in nearby Palestine) and chemical plants. Premium of $2-$4/hour.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): This AWS certification can double your salary, moving you into a supervisory or quality control role ($70,000+). It requires 5+ years of experience and passing a rigorous exam.
• Pipeline Welding: Requires 6G certification and travel, but can pay $30-$50/hour or more, often with per diem. It’s a lifestyle choice—demand fluctuates with oil prices.

Advancement Paths:

1. Welder → Lead Welder/Fabricator: Gain experience, mentor juniors, take on complex projects.
2. Welder → CWI/Quality Control: Move into inspection and oversight. Requires additional certification.
3. Welder → Project Manager/Shop Foreman: Focus on planning, scheduling, and logistics. Often requires an associate’s degree or extensive experience.
4. Welder → Business Owner: Many experienced welders in Tyler start small fab shops or mobile welding services, catering to the agricultural and construction sectors.

10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth is conservative. It tracks with national trends but doesn’t account for Tyler’s specific strengths. The push for American manufacturing, the stability of the energy sector in East Texas, and the ongoing need for infrastructure maintenance (water, roads, schools) will keep welders employed. The key is to avoid stagnation. Within 5 years, a welder who gets additional certifications (CWI, NDT Level II) can exceed the median salary by 30-50%.

Insider Tip: The best investment you can make is in your own skills. Use the relatively low cost of living here to save for AWS certification courses or an associate’s degree from TJC. The return on investment is significant.

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The Verdict: Is Tyler Right for You?

Tyler offers a compelling value proposition for welders, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a direct comparison:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (92.4 index): Your $48,459 median salary goes much further here.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Houston or Dallas.
Stable Job Market: 220 jobs with steady demand from manufacturing and energy.	Limited Specialization: Fewer niche aerospace or high-tech welding roles.
Short Commutes: Most welders live within 20 minutes of work.	Slower Pace: Fewer networking events and trade shows.
Strong Community: Easier to build a reputation and network in a mid-sized city.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you crave big-city amenities, you’ll travel.
Outdoor Recreation: Piney Woods, lakes, and hunting are minutes away.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms.

Final Recommendation:
Tyler is an excellent choice for welders who prioritize affordability, work-life balance, and a stable career over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for:

• Mid-career welders looking to buy a home or start a family.
• Specialists in TIG or stainless steel who can find premium roles in local manufacturing.
• Those who value a shorter commute and a less hectic lifestyle.

It may be less suitable for:

• Welders seeking hyper-specialized work in aerospace or high-tech manufacturing.
• Those who thrive in the fast pace and high competition of major metros.
• Newcomers without certifications who may face a tougher entry-level market (though TJC is a great starting point).

Bottom Line: If you’re a skilled welder with certifications and a pragmatic approach to your career, Tyler provides a solid foundation to build a comfortable, debt-free life. The numbers work, and the community is welcoming.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a union membership to get a good welding job in Tyler?
No, but it helps. Many top employers like Tyler Pipe are unionized (Ironworkers or Boilermakers), which can mean higher starting pay, better benefits, and pension plans. However, there are also strong non-union shops (like Winfield and Tygard) that pay competitively. It’s worth visiting the local union hall to understand your options.

**2. Is the job market for welders in Tyler affected