Retail Salespersons 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?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers professionals earn $16,420 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 47.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Retail Salespersons earns $47,930 compared to $75,850 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
Salary Range Comparison
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$38,130 – $75,850
$25,600$75,850
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Retail Salespersons | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $25,600 | $38,130 | $-12,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,140 | $45,580 | $-16,440 |
| Median (50th) | $34,580 | $51,000 | $-16,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,850 | $61,610 | $-23,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $47,930 | $75,850 | $-27,920 |
| Mean (Average) | $37,150 | $55,100 | $-17,950 |
Employment Numbers
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
employed nationwide
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
424,040
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Retail Salespersons
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,040 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $42,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $39,180 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $37,500 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $37,350 |
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: Retail Salespersons or Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $16,420 (47.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $47,930 (90th percentile), with a median of $34,580.
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 Retail Salespersons and Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons 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 Retail Salespersons?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Retail Salespersons has a median salary of $34,580 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