Electrical Engineers vs Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn $60,910 more per year than Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers professionals — that's 119.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Electrical Engineers earns $175,460 compared to $75,850 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
Salary Range Comparison
Electrical Engineers$74,670 – $175,460
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$38,130 – $75,850
$38,130$175,460
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Electrical Engineers | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,670 | $38,130 | +$36,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,590 | $45,580 | +$42,010 |
| Median (50th) | $111,910 | $51,000 | +$60,910 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,630 | $61,610 | +$80,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,460 | $75,850 | +$99,610 |
| Mean (Average) | $120,980 | $55,100 | +$65,880 |
Employment Numbers
Electrical Engineers
188,790
employed nationwide
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
424,040
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $186,920 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $163,840 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $136,820 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $135,480 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $134,900 |
Best Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $69,120 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $67,560 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $64,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $63,890 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $62,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Electrical Engineers or Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $60,910 (119.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Electrical Engineers?
Electrical Engineers salaries range from $74,670 (10th percentile) to $175,460 (90th percentile), with a median of $111,910.
What is the salary range for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salaries range from $38,130 (10th percentile) to $75,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $51,000.
How many Electrical Engineers and Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs are there?
There are approximately 188,790 Electrical Engineers positions and 424,040 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers to Electrical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Electrical Engineers has a median salary of $111,910 while Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earns $51,000. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS