60$/per hour, 3 hour minimum. Rounded to the nearest hour. I don’t charge driving time unless it’s over 30min one way Remember. You’re providing a service that they cannot do themselves and your time is valuable
For the summer season, do you need extra employer? Im experienced about tig and mig. If maybe you need I'd like to knock your door at the beginning of summer
In NYC they weld old wrought iron for rich people with brownstones in brooklyn and Manhattan for $170 an hour 3 hour minimum and you cant find a welder that is not booked for the next month or 2
I live in the Bay area and I charge whatever I want. I will easily charge someone $1800 to replace rusted out barrel hinges on a gate. Maybe a 3 hour job with $200 in parts.
You'd be broke if you were in southern California charging that hourly rate. I would not charge any less than what a licensed automotive shop charges in your area. You have AT LEAST as much equipment as they have and least as much overhead. Average rate in my area is $150-180/hour for skilled mechanic shop labor as of September 2022.
Northern Utah here. $75/hr with a 2 hour minimum. $1.00/mile round trip for any job under 8 hours (doesn’t apply to places that use you consistently). 15% on top of all materials and consumables used on the job. Mostly industrial plants and commercial work doing onsite stick, wire, tig, plasma cutting, oxy/fuel, air arc, etc.
I'm from northern Michigan, recently retired and just started a mobile welding business welding pontoon boats. I charge $60.00 an hour. I do repairs for a couple of marinas. They get the $60.00 rate. Public gets the $60.00 an hour from the time I leave my house until I'm done with the job. Storing my equipment included.
I started out in a repair and fab shop (Mississippi) in the late 70's, my Dad taught me how to weld at 13 so I already had the basics down but that repair shop experience had so many benefits to my future. In a shop like that you see a lot of things that come in for repair and learning HOW to repair goes a long way in your future knowledge. I went out on my own with a rig in 1984, the area I lived is a huge agricultural area with welders on every corner. I laid a lot of pipe in the catfish industry, a customer would leave you over a 1.00 per hr. difference of rate! I also went to machine shop school, to combine both abilities took my skills to a another level. I later went into tool & die work where I became the go to guy for tool steel tig welding. For a young person get all the experience you can, be a sponge!!! I now work in quality assurance/warranty for a supplier to the auto industry, I can't tell you how many times I have used the past 40 yrs experience to solve a problem.....
Hey Austin, I specialize in mobile structural fabrication, and as a "salvage" welder at a local steel plant in Kentucky.... I charge $75/hour & $150 show up fee for my mobile service. I charge $55/hour and $85/day for truck at the plant as a contractor + 200% markup on materials + $35/job for consumables......
Hey Austin love the videos and advice. I am 25 years old, I'm a traveling single hand structural welder in refineries and chemical plants, mostly in Texas. Currently I'm sitting at $37 an hour, but combo pipe welder make anywhere from $40-$45 an hour. i hope to one day be able to work around the house so I can be with my wife and my boy. Your videos inspire me so much man, thank you for taking the time to spread trade knowledge and advise! You ain't earning if you ain't burning old son!!!
Great advice towards the end about experience over money. I’m a welder from Northern Ireland and I’m only 22, I’ve left a couple of jobs to go somewhere else for less money just because I knew I would learn more and gain more experience and better myself as a person. In every job I’ve had, I’ve always learnt something extremely useful that’s helped me in the next job. And now I’m trying to set up my own fab shop at home, things are looking good 👍🏼
Tennessee, $75/hr and typically two hour minimum. Unless it's a customer you know well. You're always going to burn time seeing what the customer "really" needs to be done. Nine out of ten times what they say they need is not really what you'll end up doing. There's always more that needs to be done prior to getting the overall project finished. And to stay in business you have to consider this. Also, I've found that the better your are at your work and the more you charge people won't waste your time but will call you only when they actually need something done and can depend on you to do it.
Right. I made that mistake before. Charging is also part of survival. You really need to be wise about what you charge because those small zip zip jobs can end up being four long. Most people don’t try to scam but there are some that will take advantage of your time and do everything they can to get something for free or next to nothing. Protect your business. I also consider every job. But I have the power to accept or refuse. That’s what’s great about it.
just a mud dobber welder here.. but years of construction business as a business owner.. one thing I learned was NEVER do a job change without a) job change order, b) job change order fee, and c) making sure to amend the original agreement (oh, maybe (a) should have been "Never do a job with out a written agreement detailing what you're going to do up front."
my brotha!!!! words to live and learn by...56 years old been cert , etc since 17yo when i quit high school and went welding at comm college.been making my own way after iron workers, peice rate shops,et since 95. stared out getting paid 5.00 hr at my first fab gig.....Right? anyhow great message to all young and old about not cheapening what weve all worked so hard for in this field.thank you
I charge 65.00 an hour, one hour minimum if I don’t have to travel far. I’m from the Tx panhandle. In this area it is anywhere from 25.00 to 75.00 an hour. I think you get what you pay for . I have to go back and fix a lot of stuff that the 25.00 and 40.00 guys work on. When that happens I usually go up to 75.00 an hour. I enjoyed the video keep up the good work. Be safe!
Exactly right I'm in East Tx there are tons of little 1/2 ton riglets with a pull start welder charging 25 an hour or a little more really irritates me especially when you see the L.O.T. (lack of talent) in their work the wanna be,s are taking work away from the pro,s so like you when I have to go behind them I make the person that hired them feel the pain of their mistake as in 75$ an hour minimum as you do.
@@scotteverett5533 Stay away from junkyard welding projects, dont weld that mower deck, dont weld their broken bed leg, dont fix their 2 small broken iron bars from an AC cage.....DO weld fences, Carports, big metal gates, Structural I beam and Pipe installation. The more you dip your experience in people that only want to spend $50, you wont profit from them at all. Sure your tank maybe filled up, but your name wont go out there.
I charge double to fix my competitors work. I also advise customers of this when I’m giving out estimates or bids. I work alone and I simply can’t mess around.
North Texas Metroplex: I charge $90 hr for mobile welding work and if it is a job I can do at home/shop its $50 hr. When I started out I charged hourly (and I still do depending on the job) but now that I have experience under my belt and knowledge of various jobs and what it takes, I can usually do a bid. And I am very close to what it would have been hourly. I do add 20% to my matetial cost to cover any minor problems that might arise. I have a friend that also welds (and does metal sculptures in his spare time). He figures his bid jobs this way. He takes his material cost and multiplies it by 3 and that's his labor for the job. So example would be: $600 in material × 3 = $1800 labor. Total job $2400. Not sure if this helps. Just my input and two cents or is it three.
pft who needs TP when you got a box of rags, guys who use paper towels are the kinda guys that dont manage money/expenses correctly lol if your feeling extra cheap ya can throw the old rags in a shitty laundry mat machine and reuse em xD
I'm in Kansas and primarily do fences and feedlots, but do other rig welding on the side and have ran my company going on 4 years now. My advice is know your over head and cost of doing business day to day. That should factor directly into what you charge. And always charge a minimum for instance I charge $150 for the first hour I'm on site, and $60per hour after that. After hours, sunday, and emergency calls are $80 per hour. Also if it is more then an hour from home I charge milage at $2per mile. And always mark up your materials a minimum of %20. Keep your business expenses separate, and invoices are very important when it comes to tax time.
Amen brother! I was in retail for years making 36$/hr, but hated it. Got out and became a welder helper for 15$/hr. It was definitely worth the cut, learned so much more and in the direction I wanted to go. And this last month, broke out on my own with trailer all set up. And now I’m charging 50$/hr. North TX.
hey austin, you should make a video on jobs you wont do or how to deal with customers/contractors etc etc. runnin a business is mostly verbal skill... which a lot of these new bloods are lackin. shake a hand make a friend i always say.
East Texas $75 hour rate. Rig does multiple things. S.A. 300, plus 8k pound crane, air compressor and 30k pound Tulsa hydralic winch compounded with a 20k pound electric winch. I've done anything from pinching a work over rig out of a ditch to setting a hot tub on a second story balcony
@@johndowe7003 hey john that's what the truck was. Then got over loaded and previous owner slapped a big crane on it. The cranes like another set of hands haha that I dont have to pay.
I usually do by the job in central NC. I'm not a certified welder so I definitely don't do any jobs that would be liability issues. A lot of small repairs for contractors. Do some fabrication on site or shop. I use a generator and multi process welder which allows me to do about anything on site. Mig, tig, stick. Also have a portable double pulse for aluminum. I stay busy all the time. I basically average $100/hr. Simple fact most of my customers can't get anyone else because of price , versatility and other guys won't pull off the job because they would lose money. Been doing this for alot of years and it pays off just be diligent.
I’m near Fayetteville NC and I’ve seen $75 shop hour and $125 mobile I started a year ago on the side and I’m still charging $55 shop and $95 mobile with 2 hour min
Great video and great advise on the new welders out there on taking a job to get experience. I work for a pipe line maintenance company here in Texas south of Houston. We get guys that think just because they can weld they should make our top pay. Where i work you need to know how to fabricate and fit and read prints. When I say fabrication i mean lay out from scratch from nothing but a bench mark and pipe coming out of the ground to full blown meter skid or pump station. We have had welders that dont want to learn all that. So experience will help you in the long run to keep a job. The ones that can do that we keep the ones that cant just come and go. Take care and thank you for doing what you do.
Im happy i went through a union apprenticeship (general laborers union) to understand this concept, you have to pay your dues and you have to charge based on experience
Here in Central Maine I charge $90/hr mobile rate from the time I start the truck until the job is done, $80/hr at the shop. Most auto mechanic shops charge $80/hr for just labor so don’t undersell your skill.
develop a rate sheet . Put on it your costs of doing business to show your base costs . Hourly rate for a single hand tradesmen .Material costs to do the job . Add all these costs plus 25% . Because most people are going to squeal about your rate . They must realize a tradesmen is not a Mac Donalds skilled employee .
Well said. Getting the experience is not cheap either. Putting up with cheap people that dont respect your skills isn't easy. I been a welder for 33 plus years, I kinda get a chuckle when someone says they been welding a long time (6 months). Not saying they don't know some of what they say that can do. But still got a whole lot more to learn. Shoot I learn new tricks every day.
Im a metal artist in Forney TX.. I do alot of repairs but its all brought to me. I have a flat rate of 50.00 hr , not including materials.. If the customers wants to stick around and chat Ill charge 80.00..
About to start a mobile welding business in Texas. This was very helpful. It's hard to get other local welders to talk to you about pricing because they obviously see you as competition. Thanks for the great information. I've subscribed and will be watching more. Be safe!!
Missouri: I looked and the going rate for a welding truck. it’s 150-180. I personally don’t go for anything less than 125 an hour because I would be shooting myself in the foot because of overhead. You have to think about the rod, cut off wheels, wire, gas for welder and truck, oil changes etc. I know some people that won’t go for anything less than 240 a day. I can understand that when you can offer more. Currently I’m running on a Lincoln SA 250 with an optional suitcase when needed. I think your run down is spot on. Being captured by a company can hurt you but some reputable places will pay more when the talent is there. I am used to the business side so I’m happy with not working in a box. I can offer a ton in those places but the hardest thing is finding a place that will pay you for what you are worth.
I’ve been combo for about 10 yrs have a shop and a rig I’m in southeast Texas and it’s not unusual to see 100$-150$ an hr for equipment and labor together plus materials been doin my own thing for 4 yrs now and shop price is 100$ mobile is 150$ don’t sell yourself short man if you have the skill then make em pay for it brother they have the money
Currently maintenence in a steel mill and in the process of obtaining my llc for mobile welding in rural Illinois. Nearest competition for me is about 2 hours away. Alredy getting jobs and im not set up yet or even advertising...word of mouth spreads like wild fire in a small town. Thanx for the videos austin
Im 16 and live in California and my dream job is to be a mobile and or pipeline welder. I started welding one year ago when I took my first high school welding class. I eventually want to own my own business but that will be way down the road. Ive been watching you just so I know how to get started and what I need.
Oklahoma here,I do 75 an hour but I also do a 4 hour minimum charge for any job I go to,I do a good bit of equipment repair for construction company’s.smaller more personal jobs like farm repairs I usually drop my minimum to a two hour but that often depends on my schedule and how badly I need that extra cash
I have a shop in central Florida, out in the field to $65-$150. For example: if all I’m running is leads and a cord why charge more? If I have a helper I have to factor his pay in. If I’m fabricating in the field I’m breaking out torches, saws, and hand tools the rate goes up. I like to keep if fair but not cutting my nose off either. I know guy that charge a 1/2 day rate to a full day rate no matter the job, I also know guys that charge $150 an hour for just welding pre cut brackets and hangers.
Hey brother I'm from south Texas I started my side job as a mobile welder been working for a company for 5 years and just now a month ago I started doing side jobs I'm charging 60hr for my welder and 40hr for my hand so my minimum is $100 no matter if I take 30 min or 10 minutes for the job. I'm learning the pricing done a few jobs already
I'm from Cleveland, Oklahoma, and enjoy your videos. I've been pipelining since I graduated high school in 2007. I have so much in common with you and have often thought about vlogging. Unfortunately due to my particular job in the pipeline industry, I can not legally film my day to day activities. I wish there were more videos like this back when I was a helper. Keep it up!
Austin. Fellow okie here. My profession is not welding I just do it here and there on the farm because I enjoy building stuff been doing it alot of years. I came across your channel and I really enjoy it. I've been binge watching alot of your episodes. Keep it up. Keeps giving me ideas of switching professions lol or starting a side gig. "Probably to old to switch professions" anyways you guys rock thank you for all the information.
I'm a fitter and pipe welder. I work for mechanical contractors, and I charge 60.00 but I work 40 hours a week and mostly with the same contractor . so I don't need to look for work for myself they get the work and sub it to me . 43 years in the trade self-employed 31 of them . I love it, especially the contractors I work with
Here in FL I've been subbing out on structural Jobs. Hourly is 55/hr per man plus 200 a day for consumables and fuel. If hotels and per diem are involved its an additional 10-15 an hour. If it's My own contract job It's 85 an hour (75+10 for consumables) honestly price has to change depending on competition and the job just as Austin said.
Mobile guys in Pennsylvania $60-$100. I am at $80 for structural, equipment repairs, and general fab. I go to $100 for specialized stuff, such as cast engine blocks.
Hey welders, been thinking of getting into stick welding. Was really good in Highschool and my instructor was teaching me overhead welding. 28 years later, I'm looking for another career and thinking of buying my rig to start stick welding and maybe signing up for a welding school. Great vidoe's, keep them up!
I operate in the Kansas City, MO area within a 100 - 150 mile radius (have to in order to reach the rich farmers) and I charge $65.00/hour with a 1 hour minimum. I start hours on the half hour mark though, so 1 hour 29 minutes = 1 hour, but 1 hour 30 minutes = 2 hours. I charge for the travel to the job also, but only based on what the Google time estimate is. So even if I get stuck in traffic or something, I'll stick to what Google Maps estimates. Plus obviously charge for going to get parts and metal if needed based on the Google Maps estimate as well.
In Western North Carolina the going rate seems to be a solid 60 to 75.00 an hr for general welding no specializing, no exotic metals, ect. That rate is for SMAW only GTAW brings much better
Texas, fixing to start 2nd yr of my associates next month. During the summer I weld for a old timer, repairing antique ferris wheel seat. I cut out the rusty old bottoms patch the bones of the seat and replace the pans. I also fab a rack for the 20ft trailer so we can travel the country and carry the entire 🎡
here in Canada our rig rates are varying between 85 to 120 an hour right now in alberta 120 being guys who can do stainless as well .. our shop rates for guys are usually 38 for structural and 42 for b pressure pipe
I've been a pipe welder For a very long time since 1997 I believe and along the way I learned mechanics And for the past 12 years I've had a mobile mechanics and repair welding business now I don't know about all you other guys that have your own specific welding rig but I Weld fabricate and do mechanical repairs and I charge 95 plus $3 a mile one way don't sell yourself short
SW Montana, in shop fabrication runs $65-75/hr for mig/stick, tig runs more, usually a $500 minimum on most jobs. Field work, I charge $75/hr for stick, $100 tig, plus mileage. Mileage gets important up here, the last job I did was a tig job repairing a railing inside a house and I drove 100 miles to the job, so it got a bit expensive for the hour job.
Thanks Austin I had been having trouble on what to charge . Diffrent areas oay diffrent too though man. I'm a field welder and have done 2 pipe fence jobs and I need more practice w the torch
i charge 50/hr in south TX, just getting the business started. Welders are a dime a dozen around here because of the plants so its very competitive. I try to work my way into the smaller jobs that others arent bothered to do because they make that rate hourly at the plant. I just work as a fitter by trade and a welder on the side
Good thing about the bigger union pipeline companies is on the hills they got welding sleds to work off of and usually keep the row in way better condition than a non union job. They use them dozers to keep it nice
Hey Austin I’m a union plumber & my father is an ibew retired journeyman 40 years. There’s good years & bad years! Keep your head up brother The Lord will bless you. I was out 5 months going crazy then the hall called & I hit a major major OT job! Don’t let that book go it pays off in the long run. Pension health & welfare!
You lost me a few times but I understand what you mean lol. I charge for my rig 50 hr. Structure welding semi truck trailer repair aluminum welding. Here in the southern valley in Texas near the Mexico border experience rig welders and self company employed charge 35 to 60. And then we got some what welders that didn't really know to weld and don't got papers to move north they charge 10 15hr.
Did I hear you say in 9ne of your videos you are starting to do farm to table beef? We started that about a year ago. Started at 1 steer month now 2 steer/heifers/ week
I mobile weld in New Jersey and charge $75.00 an hour. Emergency calls $100 to $125. Now in different areas this depends upon competition and the different processes of welding you do. If say someone came to your business or home to have something small welded that would only take 1/2 to an hour then you charge a flat $40. Also and this is the most important what repairs can you do, welding skills. Can you engineer things out of thin air. I have had companies that had ideas but did not know how to bring them to reality. This is where you make the big bucks. Let's take for example in common I have taken a backhoe and made a forklift quick connect attachment that temporarily replaced the front bucket. They did not want to purchase a forklift. Remember necessity is the mother of all invention. And if you can invent things on the fly then that will take you welding business to a whole new level. And once you have a creative reputation you will get called ahead of the competition. I also made rotor blades for ultralight helicopters using a aluminum inner spar and carbon fiber/Kevlar skins then licensed it off to a helicopter manufacturer for remanufacturing. So literally Sky's the limit here. This of what you do you go out and not just weld but in many instances you repaired something stronger with a better idea, well you just just engineered something better. Welders are thinkers and no matter who you are with time and experience you will be great at your job. And if you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life.
I charge $80hr - 120hr with fees. You need to structure your pricing. Call out fee. After hours fee. Supply fee. Supply fee should be 10% of labor. Normal labor rate. After hours labor rate. And flat rate. Then you need consistency in cash flow. Build relationships with general contractors and equipment companies. Good luck
Over here in the UK I charge £73 hr for Mobil work ,only because that’s my shop rate ,I have to cover the overheads of the workshop even if I’m not there,
Sean Hogan I’m surprised you don’t charge more for mobile. You have gas and travel time. Plus field work is usually harder than at the shop. I think you might be selling yourself short.
Most here in Mississippi charge Farmers 80 a hour, Personally as a Retired Man, with a Mobile Welding Service I change 55-65 depending on the difficulty involved
I'm in Virginia. Travel the east coast. I charge anywhere from $60/hr to $85/hr. Depending on the customer and the job. Work is slow out here right now. I'm structural certified but not pipe.
I'm a crane operator and worked in North Dakota and several pipe fitter welders were charging the company I worked for 150.00 per hr to 175 per hr and are company supplied fuel from their bulk tank
I often charge by the hour but I mainly do fabrication and custom projects. Some customers don’t like by the hour because they need a exact amount so they can have a idea of what there paying
Been watching a few of your videos trying to learn as much as I can before attending welding school. I am retiring from the Army here soon and want to get into mobile welding with my own shop. I just need the knowledge of getting into this line of work. This video has been very helpful, but how would I get the knowledge and hands on training of mobile welding? Do I get some equipment and jump out there?
Arizona Welding truck 40 bucks a hour Started in a shop Mig welding Its very hard to find welding jobs in Arizona every one asking 5 years of experience.
Not sure about welding but I provide a service based business myself and it all depends on how busy I am, how much I want the job, and how close to home. A little bit of something is better than a 100% of nothing.
I know this video is 2 years old. But in ND it widely varies by county. Eastern side of the state $80 per hour might be a good rate but in western ND Due to the oil industry 80 per hour is the "I'm doing you a favor rate but fully expect $100 to $150 per hour
Rough N Rowdy welding Ohio rig welder gas pipeline But off the split check or contract charges for a a weld call is a 100hr 50 an hr after that.... and if u know a rig welder.. we stay cabed up Beer tips are appreciated
Here in VA , I bill out at $125 an hr for me and my rig , but I fabricate as well as weld . But depending on the job I’ve done flat rate for the job as well .
Great job Austin. I appreciate your channel and sharing what you know. Working on welding some rebar onto t-posts for a sheep pasture. The coyote have been busy and I need a bit more height on the fence for more electric wire.
I charge $65/hour minimum 3 hrs plus $1.25 per mile of travel here in Houston,Tx. Problem this days here is that there is hundreds of cheap labor hand welders that makes a $750 job for $280-$300 because they dont have legal status and all the want is something to bring food to the table
60$/per hour, 3 hour minimum. Rounded to the nearest hour. I don’t charge driving time unless it’s over 30min one way Remember. You’re providing a service that they cannot do themselves and your time is valuable
For the summer season, do you need extra employer? Im experienced about tig and mig. If maybe you need I'd like to knock your door at the beginning of summer
In NYC they weld old wrought iron for rich people with brownstones in brooklyn and Manhattan for $170 an hour 3 hour minimum and you cant find a welder that is not booked for the next month or 2
@@maxpainmedia I’m from in florida but have family in Connecticut I’ll drop everything right now to drive up there 😂 how do I get the gigs
I live in the Bay area and I charge whatever I want. I will easily charge someone $1800 to replace rusted out barrel hinges on a gate. Maybe a 3 hour job with $200 in parts.
You'd be broke if you were in southern California charging that hourly rate. I would not charge any less than what a licensed automotive shop charges in your area. You have AT LEAST as much equipment as they have and least as much overhead. Average rate in my area is $150-180/hour for skilled mechanic shop labor as of September 2022.
Austin, I like your upbeat and positive attitude. That goes a long way in a negative oriented society.
You would make a great neighbor .
Northern Utah here. $75/hr with a 2 hour minimum. $1.00/mile round trip for any job under 8 hours (doesn’t apply to places that use you consistently). 15% on top of all materials and consumables used on the job. Mostly industrial plants and commercial work doing onsite stick, wire, tig, plasma cutting, oxy/fuel, air arc, etc.
I'm from northern Michigan, recently retired and just started a mobile welding business welding pontoon boats. I charge $60.00 an hour. I do repairs for a couple of marinas. They get the $60.00 rate. Public gets the $60.00 an hour from the time I leave my house until I'm done with the job. Storing my equipment included.
I started out in a repair and fab shop (Mississippi) in the late 70's, my Dad taught me how to weld at 13 so I already had the basics down but that repair shop experience had so many benefits to my future. In a shop like that you see a lot of things that come in for repair and learning HOW to repair goes a long way in your future knowledge. I went out on my own with a rig in 1984, the area I lived is a huge agricultural area with welders on every corner. I laid a lot of pipe in the catfish industry, a customer would leave you over a 1.00 per hr. difference of rate! I also went to machine shop school, to combine both abilities took my skills to a another level. I later went into tool & die work where I became the go to guy for tool steel tig welding. For a young person get all the experience you can, be a sponge!!! I now work in quality assurance/warranty for a supplier to the auto industry, I can't tell you how many times I have used the past 40 yrs experience to solve a problem.....
Hey Austin, I specialize in mobile structural fabrication, and as a "salvage" welder at a local steel plant in Kentucky.... I charge $75/hour & $150 show up fee for my mobile service. I charge $55/hour and $85/day for truck at the plant as a contractor + 200% markup on materials + $35/job for consumables......
Hey Austin love the videos and advice. I am 25 years old, I'm a traveling single hand structural welder in refineries and chemical plants, mostly in Texas. Currently I'm sitting at $37 an hour, but combo pipe welder make anywhere from $40-$45 an hour. i hope to one day be able to work around the house so I can be with my wife and my boy. Your videos inspire me so much man, thank you for taking the time to spread trade knowledge and advise! You ain't earning if you ain't burning old son!!!
Great advice towards the end about experience over money. I’m a welder from Northern Ireland and I’m only 22, I’ve left a couple of jobs to go somewhere else for less money just because I knew I would learn more and gain more experience and better myself as a person. In every job I’ve had, I’ve always learnt something extremely useful that’s helped me in the next job. And now I’m trying to set up my own fab shop at home, things are looking good 👍🏼
Tennessee, $75/hr and typically two hour minimum. Unless it's a customer you know well. You're always going to burn time seeing what the customer "really" needs to be done. Nine out of ten times what they say they need is not really what you'll end up doing. There's always more that needs to be done prior to getting the overall project finished. And to stay in business you have to consider this. Also, I've found that the better your are at your work and the more you charge people won't waste your time but will call you only when they actually need something done and can depend on you to do it.
Right. I made that mistake before. Charging is also part of survival. You really need to be wise about what you charge because those small zip zip jobs can end up being four long. Most people don’t try to scam but there are some that will take advantage of your time and do everything they can to get something for free or next to nothing. Protect your business. I also consider every job. But I have the power to accept or refuse. That’s what’s great about it.
just a mud dobber welder here.. but years of construction business as a business owner.. one thing I learned was NEVER do a job change without a) job change order, b) job change order fee, and c) making sure to amend the original agreement (oh, maybe (a) should have been "Never do a job with out a written agreement detailing what you're going to do up front."
my brotha!!!! words to live and learn by...56 years old been cert , etc since 17yo when i quit high school and went welding at comm college.been making my own way after iron workers, peice rate shops,et since 95. stared out getting paid 5.00 hr at my first fab gig.....Right? anyhow great message to all young and old about not cheapening what weve all worked so hard for in this field.thank you
I charge 65.00 an hour, one hour minimum if I don’t have to travel far. I’m from the Tx panhandle. In this area it is anywhere from 25.00 to 75.00 an hour. I think you get what you pay for . I have to go back and fix a lot of stuff that the 25.00 and 40.00 guys work on. When that happens I usually go up to 75.00 an hour. I enjoyed the video keep up the good work. Be safe!
Exactly right I'm in East Tx there are tons of little 1/2 ton riglets with a pull start welder charging 25 an hour or a little more really irritates me especially when you see the L.O.T. (lack of talent) in their work the wanna be,s are taking work away from the pro,s so like you when I have to go behind them I make the person that hired them feel the pain of their mistake as in 75$ an hour minimum as you do.
@@scotteverett5533
Stay away from junkyard welding projects, dont weld that mower deck, dont weld their broken bed leg, dont fix their 2 small broken iron bars from an AC cage.....DO weld fences, Carports, big metal gates, Structural I beam and Pipe installation. The more you dip your experience in people that only want to spend $50, you wont profit from them at all. Sure your tank maybe filled up, but your name wont go out there.
I charge double to fix my competitors work. I also advise customers of this when I’m giving out estimates or bids. I work alone and I simply can’t mess around.
North Texas Metroplex:
I charge $90 hr for mobile welding work and if it is a job I can do at home/shop its $50 hr. When I started out I charged hourly (and I still do depending on the job) but now that I have experience under my belt and knowledge of various jobs and what it takes, I can usually do a bid. And I am very close to what it would have been hourly. I do add 20% to my matetial cost to cover any minor problems that might arise.
I have a friend that also welds (and does metal sculptures in his spare time). He figures his bid jobs this way. He takes his material cost and multiplies it by 3 and that's his labor for the job. So example would be:
$600 in material × 3 = $1800 labor. Total job $2400.
Not sure if this helps.
Just my input and two cents or is it three.
I charge $80/hr for my rig. Clock starts when I head your way. Here in KS anyway. Toilet paper price dependant. Lol
pft who needs TP when you got a box of rags, guys who use paper towels are the kinda guys that dont manage money/expenses correctly lol if your feeling extra cheap ya can throw the old rags in a shitty laundry mat machine and reuse em xD
Ks Welderman 😂😂😂
@@johndowe7003 just like those reusable baby diapers
@@robertstorms6203 uh, not sure if ill be wearin any diapers soon. maybe the snowflakes will though. hah
Just bought a Lincoln Classis III with 740 hours on it! Lovin it so far! Going back on pipeline in about a month or so 💚
I'm in Kansas and primarily do fences and feedlots, but do other rig welding on the side and have ran my company going on 4 years now. My advice is know your over head and cost of doing business day to day. That should factor directly into what you charge. And always charge a minimum for instance I charge $150 for the first hour I'm on site, and $60per hour after that. After hours, sunday, and emergency calls are $80 per hour. Also if it is more then an hour from home I charge milage at $2per mile. And always mark up your materials a minimum of %20. Keep your business expenses separate, and invoices are very important when it comes to tax time.
Amen brother! I was in retail for years making 36$/hr, but hated it. Got out and became a welder helper for 15$/hr. It was definitely worth the cut, learned so much more and in the direction I wanted to go. And this last month, broke out on my own with trailer all set up. And now I’m charging 50$/hr. North TX.
I’m in central charging 40. Just to build a clients after that 50
Ok, you guys make me feel good, I do my own welding on the farm. Probably not as good as you guys, lol. (Not pretty but nothing has broken off yet.)
Awesome. Channel great watching and learning every time watch the video s great attitude keep it up
hey austin, you should make a video on jobs you wont do or how to deal with customers/contractors etc etc. runnin a business is mostly verbal skill... which a lot of these new bloods are lackin. shake a hand make a friend i always say.
East Texas $75 hour rate. Rig does multiple things. S.A. 300, plus 8k pound crane, air compressor and 30k pound Tulsa hydralic winch compounded with a 20k pound electric winch. I've done anything from pinching a work over rig out of a ditch to setting a hot tub on a second story balcony
yup, im gonna add some gin poles to my rig so i can do some heavy liftin.
@@johndowe7003 hey john that's what the truck was. Then got over loaded and previous owner slapped a big crane on it. The cranes like another set of hands haha that I dont have to pay.
@@benjaminwatson2800 yup
I usually do by the job in central NC. I'm not a certified welder so I definitely don't do any jobs that would be liability issues. A lot of small repairs for contractors. Do some fabrication on site or shop.
I use a generator and multi process welder which allows me to do about anything on site. Mig, tig, stick. Also have a portable double pulse for aluminum.
I stay busy all the time. I basically average $100/hr. Simple fact most of my customers can't get anyone else because of price , versatility and other guys won't pull off the job because they would lose money.
Been doing this for alot of years and it pays off just be diligent.
Yeah I'm near Charlotte NC and charge about the same. -100 for mobile work and around 80 for shop work.
What part of NC you from?
I’m near Fayetteville NC and I’ve seen $75 shop hour and $125 mobile I started a year ago on the side and I’m still charging $55 shop and $95 mobile with 2 hour min
Great video and great advise on the new welders out there on taking a job to get experience. I work for a pipe line maintenance company here in Texas south of Houston. We get guys that think just because they can weld they should make our top pay. Where i work you need to know how to fabricate and fit and read prints. When I say fabrication i mean lay out from scratch from nothing but a bench mark and pipe coming out of the ground to full blown meter skid or pump station. We have had welders that dont want to learn all that. So experience will help you in the long run to keep a job. The ones that can do that we keep the ones that cant just come and go. Take care and thank you for doing what you do.
I'm a welder that DOES want to learn all that. Been looking for a job for a while now since everything slowed down.
Im happy i went through a union apprenticeship (general laborers union) to understand this concept, you have to pay your dues and you have to charge based on experience
Here in Central Maine I charge $90/hr mobile rate from the time I start the truck until the job is done, $80/hr at the shop. Most auto mechanic shops charge $80/hr for just labor so don’t undersell your skill.
I live in Oklahoma too, been welding for 20 years. Just started running my own truck a couple of years ago. I charge $75hr 3hr min.
Austin , I’m from San Antonio Tx and rate is about 65 to 85 per hr. I am learning a lot from you.
Your advice in this clip was spot on what I needed to hear at this point in my career man thankyou.
If you are starting out, just realize that you can’t start at the top and a full week of work at 40/hr is better than 1 hr at 100/hr in 2 weeks
develop a rate sheet . Put on it your costs of doing business to show your base costs . Hourly rate for a single hand tradesmen .Material costs to do the job . Add all these costs plus 25% . Because most people are going to squeal about your rate . They must realize a tradesmen is not a Mac Donalds skilled employee .
Well said. Getting the experience is not cheap either. Putting up with cheap people that dont respect your skills isn't easy. I been a welder for 33 plus years, I kinda get a chuckle when someone says they been welding a long time (6 months). Not saying they don't know some of what they say that can do. But still got a whole lot more to learn. Shoot I learn new tricks every day.
Im a metal artist in Forney TX.. I do alot of repairs but its all brought to me. I have a flat rate of 50.00 hr , not including materials.. If the customers wants to stick around and chat Ill charge 80.00..
About to start a mobile welding business in Texas. This was very helpful. It's hard to get other local welders to talk to you about pricing because they obviously see you as competition. Thanks for the great information. I've subscribed and will be watching more. Be safe!!
I've bumped up my rig rate to 125 with a 3 hour minimum port to port. Stay pretty busy, temped to try 150 next year.
Missouri: I looked and the going rate for a welding truck. it’s 150-180. I personally don’t go for anything less than 125 an hour because I would be shooting myself in the foot because of overhead. You have to think about the rod, cut off wheels, wire, gas for welder and truck, oil changes etc. I know some people that won’t go for anything less than 240 a day. I can understand that when you can offer more. Currently I’m running on a Lincoln SA 250 with an optional suitcase when needed. I think your run down is spot on. Being captured by a company can hurt you but some reputable places will pay more when the talent is there. I am used to the business side so I’m happy with not working in a box. I can offer a ton in those places but the hardest thing is finding a place that will pay you for what you are worth.
Florida Panhandle....100/hr, 2 hr minimum. Any job over $500 a deposit is required.
I’ve been combo for about 10 yrs have a shop and a rig I’m in southeast Texas and it’s not unusual to see 100$-150$ an hr for equipment and labor together plus materials been doin my own thing for 4 yrs now and shop price is 100$ mobile is 150$ don’t sell yourself short man if you have the skill then make em pay for it brother they have the money
Currently maintenence in a steel mill and in the process of obtaining my llc for mobile welding in rural Illinois. Nearest competition for me is about 2 hours away. Alredy getting jobs and im not set up yet or even advertising...word of mouth spreads like wild fire in a small town. Thanx for the videos austin
Im 16 and live in California and my dream job is to be a mobile and or pipeline welder. I started welding one year ago when I took my first high school welding class. I eventually want to own my own business but that will be way down the road. Ive been watching you just so I know how to get started and what I need.
Central Texas.. $75.00 an hour, 4 hour minimum + $75.00 show up fee/fuel.
Oklahoma here,I do 75 an hour but I also do a 4 hour minimum charge for any job I go to,I do a good bit of equipment repair for construction company’s.smaller more personal jobs like farm repairs I usually drop my minimum to a two hour but that often depends on my schedule and how badly I need that extra cash
Central Tx here..... I charge 85-100$, minimum 2hrs ........ I weld on the side (have a full time job), and stay very busy......
The grind is real
Your videos help out a lot Austin, gives me some very good insight on welding. Keep up the good work.
I have a shop in central Florida, out in the field to $65-$150. For example: if all I’m running is leads and a cord why charge more? If I have a helper I have to factor his pay in. If I’m fabricating in the field I’m breaking out torches, saws, and hand tools the rate goes up. I like to keep if fair but not cutting my nose off either. I know guy that charge a 1/2 day rate to a full day rate no matter the job, I also know guys that charge $150 an hour for just welding pre cut brackets and hangers.
I got a shop and mobile in SW Florida. Long time customer is 90, its a mine site, other than that its $125.
Hey brother I'm from south Texas I started my side job as a mobile welder been working for a company for 5 years and just now a month ago I started doing side jobs I'm charging 60hr for my welder and 40hr for my hand so my minimum is $100 no matter if I take 30 min or 10 minutes for the job. I'm learning the pricing done a few jobs already
I'm in Indiana and I change $98 I stay as busy as I want. I can't imagine only charging $60
$98/hrs is fairly random 😉👌
I'm from Cleveland, Oklahoma, and enjoy your videos. I've been pipelining since I graduated high school in 2007. I have so much in common with you and have often thought about vlogging. Unfortunately due to my particular job in the pipeline industry, I can not legally film my day to day activities. I wish there were more videos like this back when I was a helper. Keep it up!
Knowledge is Power! ✅ Ur time is worth it to me....
Austin. Fellow okie here. My profession is not welding I just do it here and there on the farm because I enjoy building stuff been doing it alot of years. I came across your channel and I really enjoy it. I've been binge watching alot of your episodes. Keep it up. Keeps giving me ideas of switching professions lol or starting a side gig. "Probably to old to switch professions" anyways you guys rock thank you for all the information.
I graduated from the Jacksonville campus in 2016!. I love hearing all the instructors stories as well.
I'm a fitter and pipe welder. I work for mechanical contractors, and I charge 60.00 but I work 40 hours a week and mostly with the same contractor . so I don't need to look for work for myself they get the work and sub it to me . 43 years in the trade self-employed 31 of them . I love it, especially the contractors I work with
Here in FL I've been subbing out on structural Jobs. Hourly is 55/hr per man plus 200 a day for consumables and fuel. If hotels and per diem are involved its an additional 10-15 an hour. If it's My own contract job It's 85 an hour (75+10 for consumables) honestly price has to change depending on competition and the job just as Austin said.
San Diego, I built a rig trailer an I charge 100$ to 80$ an hour depending on the job, your channel is rad Keep it up
Mobile guys in Pennsylvania $60-$100. I am at $80 for structural, equipment repairs, and general fab. I go to $100 for specialized stuff, such as cast engine blocks.
Hey welders, been thinking of getting into stick welding. Was really good in Highschool and my instructor was teaching me overhead welding. 28 years later, I'm looking for another career and thinking of buying my rig to start stick welding and maybe signing up for a welding school.
Great vidoe's, keep them up!
First? Maybe idk whatever. Keep up the good work I look forward to it every Friday
Sabo Mobile Welding in Ringgold GA. Started in 1988. $160 minimum charge for first hr. $70 thereafter.
I operate in the Kansas City, MO area within a 100 - 150 mile radius (have to in order to reach the rich farmers) and I charge $65.00/hour with a 1 hour minimum. I start hours on the half hour mark though, so 1 hour 29 minutes = 1 hour, but 1 hour 30 minutes = 2 hours. I charge for the travel to the job also, but only based on what the Google time estimate is. So even if I get stuck in traffic or something, I'll stick to what Google Maps estimates. Plus obviously charge for going to get parts and metal if needed based on the Google Maps estimate as well.
When I was an emergency cable repair tech for business and household internet and TV I was charging $175 an hour for emergency service.
In Western North Carolina the going rate seems to be a solid 60 to 75.00 an hr for general welding no specializing, no exotic metals, ect. That rate is for SMAW only GTAW brings much better
Much can be done with only an angle grinder, hand drill and a hammer.
Absolutely
I don’t get out of bed in the morning for less than $150 an hour.
I was charged $95/hour to just have some pieces cut in half so I could haul them. No welding or fabrication. North Dakota.
That was a good price!!
Central Florida we charge $90 with a 2h min charge. Plus mileage if over 50miles.
Geeze, I was thinking I would ask you for this information, and here it is. Thank you.
Texas, fixing to start 2nd yr of my associates next month. During the summer I weld for a old timer, repairing antique ferris wheel seat. I cut out the rusty old bottoms patch the bones of the seat and replace the pans. I also fab a rack for the 20ft trailer so we can travel the country and carry the entire 🎡
I worked for him 3yrs before just installing and maintaining 🎡 s for bars and kiddie parks my pay went from 10 to 12 an hour
here in Canada our rig rates are varying between 85 to 120 an hour right now in alberta 120 being guys who can do stainless as well .. our shop rates for guys are usually 38 for structural and 42 for b pressure pipe
I've been a pipe welder For a very long time since 1997 I believe and along the way I learned mechanics And for the past 12 years I've had a mobile mechanics and repair welding business now I don't know about all you other guys that have your own specific welding rig but I Weld fabricate and do mechanical repairs and I charge 95 plus $3 a mile one way don't sell yourself short
SW Montana, in shop fabrication runs $65-75/hr for mig/stick, tig runs more, usually a $500 minimum on most jobs. Field work, I charge $75/hr for stick, $100 tig, plus mileage. Mileage gets important up here, the last job I did was a tig job repairing a railing inside a house and I drove 100 miles to the job, so it got a bit expensive for the hour job.
NYC $100 + depending on scope of work. 150 day rate for welding rig. $.75 per mole one way. 3 hour mim.
Idaho - $38-$45 hour, Sanitary welding (permanent employee)
Thanks Austin I had been having trouble on what to charge . Diffrent areas oay diffrent too though man.
I'm a field welder and have done 2 pipe fence jobs and I need more practice w the torch
Too expensive you never get a gig ! Cheap then work it up from there !
Read Victor cutting guide for settings. They engineered it to a specification. Works every time.
i charge 50/hr in south TX, just getting the business started. Welders are a dime a dozen around here because of the plants so its very competitive. I try to work my way into the smaller jobs that others arent bothered to do because they make that rate hourly at the plant. I just work as a fitter by trade and a welder on the side
Good thing about the bigger union pipeline companies is on the hills they got welding sleds to work off of and usually keep the row in way better condition than a non union job. They use them dozers to keep it nice
I know you already Know this Austin. Lol
I charge two dollars a mile and seventy five an hour. Deland Florida
Thank you for you amazing videos! Learning from the best without a doubt!
Iowa, $50-$125/hr. The way I like to figure is we need $1000/day so a 10 hr day is $100/hr. We dont run in rain or snow unless absolutely needed.
Great video Austin! I especially like your last tip as I am a beginner! Great outlook on starting out and building up! Thanks man! Be blessed!!!
Hey Austin I’m a union plumber & my father is an ibew retired journeyman 40 years. There’s good years & bad years! Keep your head up brother The Lord will bless you. I was out 5 months going crazy then the hall called & I hit a major major OT job! Don’t let that book go it pays off in the long run. Pension health & welfare!
You lost me a few times but I understand what you mean lol. I charge for my rig 50 hr. Structure welding semi truck trailer repair aluminum welding. Here in the southern valley in Texas near the Mexico border experience rig welders and self company employed charge 35 to 60. And then we got some what welders that didn't really know to weld and don't got papers to move north they charge 10 15hr.
Mid Georgia. $100/hr 2 hr minimum. Most of my work is logging trucks, farming equipment, and ranching equipment.
Did I hear you say in 9ne of your videos you are starting to do farm to table beef? We started that about a year ago. Started at 1 steer month now 2 steer/heifers/ week
I mobile weld in New Jersey and charge $75.00 an hour. Emergency calls $100 to $125. Now in different areas this depends upon competition and the different processes of welding you do. If say someone came to your business or home to have something small welded that would only take 1/2 to an hour then you charge a flat $40. Also and this is the most important what repairs can you do, welding skills. Can you engineer things out of thin air. I have had companies that had ideas but did not know how to bring them to reality. This is where you make the big bucks. Let's take for example in common I have taken a backhoe and made a forklift quick connect attachment that temporarily replaced the front bucket. They did not want to purchase a forklift. Remember necessity is the mother of all invention. And if you can invent things on the fly then that will take you welding business to a whole new level. And once you have a creative reputation you will get called ahead of the competition. I also made rotor blades for ultralight helicopters using a aluminum inner spar and carbon fiber/Kevlar skins then licensed it off to a helicopter manufacturer for remanufacturing. So literally Sky's the limit here. This of what you do you go out and not just weld but in many instances you repaired something stronger with a better idea, well you just just engineered something better. Welders are thinkers and no matter who you are with time and experience you will be great at your job. And if you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life.
Love you videos and your positive aditude on work and life. Keep making them please
Indiana $120 service call $90/hr 20% mark up if I'm supplying parts mobile Mechanic/ welder
I charge $80hr - 120hr with fees.
You need to structure your pricing. Call out fee.
After hours fee.
Supply fee.
Supply fee should be 10% of labor. Normal labor rate.
After hours labor rate.
And flat rate.
Then you need consistency in cash flow. Build relationships with general contractors and equipment companies.
Good luck
Over here in the UK I charge £73 hr for Mobil work ,only because that’s my shop rate ,I have to cover the overheads of the workshop even if I’m not there,
Sean Hogan I’m surprised you don’t charge more for mobile. You have gas and travel time. Plus field work is usually harder than at the shop. I think you might be selling yourself short.
Most here in Mississippi charge Farmers 80 a hour, Personally as a Retired Man, with a Mobile Welding Service I change 55-65 depending on the difficulty involved
I'm in Virginia. Travel the east coast. I charge anywhere from $60/hr to $85/hr. Depending on the customer and the job. Work is slow out here right now. I'm structural certified but not pipe.
Words of wisdom Austin.. come own!!! Love the content and knowledge bud. 👌
In southeast PA, 45-50 an hour, 15-20 per hour for the rig.
Thank you for making these videos and explaining everything
I'm a crane operator and worked in North Dakota and several pipe fitter welders were charging the company I worked for 150.00 per hr to 175 per hr and are company supplied fuel from their bulk tank
I often charge by the hour but I mainly do fabrication and custom projects. Some customers don’t like by the hour because they need a exact amount so they can have a idea of what there paying
Been watching a few of your videos trying to learn as much as I can before attending welding school. I am retiring from the Army here soon and want to get into mobile welding with my own shop. I just need the knowledge of getting into this line of work. This video has been very helpful, but how would I get the knowledge and hands on training of mobile welding? Do I get some equipment and jump out there?
Arizona
Welding truck
40 bucks a hour
Started in a shop Mig welding
Its very hard to find welding jobs in Arizona every one asking 5 years of experience.
Not sure about welding but I provide a service based business myself and it all depends on how busy I am, how much I want the job, and how close to home. A little bit of something is better than a 100% of nothing.
I know this video is 2 years old. But in ND it widely varies by county. Eastern side of the state $80 per hour might be a good rate but in western ND Due to the oil industry 80 per hour is the "I'm doing you a favor rate but fully expect $100 to $150 per hour
You have to consider the client and your competition. Supply and demand drives everything.
Rough N Rowdy welding
Ohio rig welder gas pipeline
But off the split check or contract charges for a a weld call is a 100hr 50 an hr after that.... and if u know a rig welder.. we stay cabed up
Beer tips are appreciated
Here in VA , I bill out at $125 an hr for me and my rig , but I fabricate as well as weld . But depending on the job I’ve done flat rate for the job as well .
Great job Austin. I appreciate your channel and sharing what you know. Working on welding some rebar onto t-posts for a sheep pasture. The coyote have been busy and I need a bit more height on the fence for more electric wire.
The cure for a coyote problem moves around 3000 fps.
Hit the nail right on the head! Another great informational video!
Post to Post Fencing you mean- strike the arc? Nails are carpenters?
I charge $65/hour minimum 3 hrs plus $1.25 per mile of travel here in Houston,Tx.
Problem this days here is that there is hundreds of cheap labor hand welders that makes a $750 job for $280-$300 because they dont have legal status and all the want is something to bring food to the table
Austin is $60 an hour in 2023 still good or is that too cheap now because things have been stupid slow in the last month
Probably a little low