How Much Does Welding Cost? [2026 Data]

The average cost of a welding project ranges from $250 to $900 for most home projects, averaging $500. Prices depend on the type of welding, materials, and labor rates in your area. Some welders charge by the hour, while others quote per project or by linear foot for larger jobs.

Whether you need a small repair or a custom metal build, understanding welding cost helps you budget wisely. This guide explains what affects welding prices, ways to save, and how to choose between DIY and hiring a pro.

Welding Cost Factors

Several factors shape welding cost, from the type of project to the materials involved. Let’s break down what goes into the price.

Types

Homeowners use welding for a variety of projects, incorporating it into the cost of repairing fences and gates to building custom furniture or tackling automotive repairs. Welding costs change based on the project’s complexity—simple repairs are less expensive than custom fabrication or structural steel work.

Different welding methods, such as MIG (metal inert gas), TIG (tungsten inert gas), stick, and flux-cored welding, also impact cost. MIG and stick welding are often more affordable, while TIG and specialty welding are priced higher due to skill and precision requirements.

Size

The size or scope of your welding project has a major impact on cost. Small repairs, such as patching a few inches of broken fence, are less expensive, while large builds or long seams drive up the price. 

Welders may charge per inch, foot, or for the entire project, depending on the job. Longer welds, thicker materials, or intricate designs require more time and resources, increasing the total welding cost.

Materials

Material choice is a key factor in the cost of welding projects. Common metals include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron. Specialty metals, thicker gauges, or premium finishes raise costs due to material price and added difficulty. Material thickness and grade also affect labor time and consumable use, increasing the overall welding cost.

If you supply the metal, you may save on markup, but many welders prefer to source materials to guarantee quality and compatibility.

Labor

Labor is a significant part of the cost of welding projects. Professional welders charge by the hour, per project, or by the linear foot. Hourly rates range from $60 to $125, with minimum service charges for small jobs. Some welders include setup, cleanup, and equipment use in their quoted price, while others charge separately. Travel fees may apply for mobile or remote jobs, especially if the welder must haul heavy equipment.

Experience and certifications can increase labor rates—union welders or those with advanced qualifications may charge more, but they often deliver higher quality or meet special code requirements. Regional differences mean urban areas and regions with higher living costs often see higher welding rates.

Prep

Project preparation can add to your welding cost. Tasks like cleaning, surface prep, removing old welds, or ensuring site access require time and sometimes special equipment. Removing rust, degreasing, or cutting existing metal before welding increases labor hours and may add $50 to $200 to your total.

If you can safely prepare the area in advance—clearing debris, moving obstacles, or cleaning surfaces—you’ll help keep costs lower.

Additional Cost Factors

Several other factors can influence the cost of your welding project, including:

• Permits and inspection fees, especially for structural or outdoor work, may add $50 to $300.

• Post-construction cleanup or debris removal can cost $50 to $150.

• Mobile welding services often include a travel fee of $25 to $100.

• Decorative finishes, powder coating, or specialty coatings may add $100 to $500.

• Rush jobs or after-hours service can carry surcharges of 10% to 30%.

• Integrating welded parts with electrical or structural systems may add coordination costs.

• Removing or demolishing old welded structures can cost an additional $100 to $400.

Welding Ongoing Costs

Welding is not just a one-time expense. Maintaining and caring for welded structures keeps them safe and looking good.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance for welded items—like fences, gates, or railings—includes regular inspection, cleaning, and rust prevention. Professional maintenance services cost $100 to $300 per visit, depending on the size and complexity. You can handle basic cleaning and touch-ups yourself with supplies like wire brushes and rust-resistant paint, which costs $20 to $50 annually.

Repairs

Welded structures may need repairs due to cracked welds, corrosion, or joint failure. Small repairs often have a minimum service charge of $100 to $200. The cost increases if the damage is extensive, the material is hard to access, or specialized welding techniques are needed. Repairing stainless steel or aluminum is more expensive than repairing mild steel, and complex repairs can reach $500 or more.

Insurance

Large or structural welding projects may require permits and inspections, which are tied to insurance requirements. Welding work could impact your homeowners' insurance premiums, especially if it alters the structure or adds liability. Professional welders carry liability insurance, which is built into their fees, protecting you from accidents or damage during the job.

Why You Should Hire a Welding Pro

Unless you already have the equipment and experience for a welding project, hire a local welding pro to ensure the job is done right. Welding errors can lead to injury, structural damage, or a lack of code compliance. Welding is a skill that takes a long time to master, so it’s best to leave this project to the pros. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a welding pro

Hiring an experienced welder is your best bet—here’s why:

• Professional welders have the equipment, materials, and safety gear needed to weld properly.

• Welding pros have training and experience welding materials properly to hold up over time and under pressure.

• An experienced welder is familiar with local codes and regulations that can affect welding projects.

• Welding can be dangerous—professional welders have been trained to avoid injury and to follow safety protocols.

If you want to DIY welding

While you shouldn’t attempt DIY welding unless you already have the equipment and plenty of experience, there are some things you can do to help the process:

• Prepare the work area by clearing obstacles and providing access.

• If the weld is a repair, clean off debris, grease, and oil from the old weld site.

• Handle old material disposal yourself as long as it’s safe to do so.

Cost of Common Welding Add-Ons

Many welding projects include optional add-ons that can enhance appearance, durability, or functionality. Here are the costs for popular options:

• Powder coating costs: $100 to $400 per item, depending on size and complexity

• Decorative finishes or custom designs: $150 to $600

• Structural reinforcements or bracing: $100 to $500

• Integration with gates, locks, or automation: $200 to $800

• Rust-proofing or weatherproofing treatments: $75 to $300

• Additional fabrication (hinges, brackets, supports): $50 to $250

Each add-on increases your total welding cost, so prioritize based on your needs and budget.

Tips to Reduce Welding Costs

Let’s look at practical ways to keep your welding costs as low as possible:

• Get multiple quotes from local welders for the best price.

• Combine multiple welding projects to save on minimum charges and travel fees.

• Prepare the work area and materials in advance to reduce labor time.

• Use standard materials instead of custom or specialty metals.

• Schedule work during off-peak times to avoid rush fees.

• Consider partial DIY (e.g., prep work) if you have the skills and tools.

• Maintain welded structures regularly to prevent costly repairs.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.