How a Welder Makes $150,000 a Year

I started my welding business with only $5000. And I was able to turn it into a $150,000 a year business. Here’s how I did it, and what I think is important to run a successful mobile welding and fabrication business.
Here’s my Instagram- / meltinmetalmobile

[@loganrash6764]

I've been welding for almost 3 years now and looking to break out finally, your videos seem the most real about it

[@DareChimaera]

Speaking about leaving a 100k a year business just because the labor was too much is something people overlook or don’t care about these days. No matter how much money you make, if you don’t love what you’re doing it isn’t worth it.

[@TheREALMuad-dib]

Spoken like someone that's never gone hungry.

[@DareChimaera]

@@TheREALMuad-dib I infact have. I'm 17 and having a kid within the month, and I have so severe migraines that I cant even hold a fast food job. I completely understand what it's like to go hungry, and yet my opinion stays the same?

[@TheREALMuad-dib]

Work in the job market another 15 years and then tell me it doesn't matter how much you make. Good lord, 17 with a kid and no job but it doesn't matter how much you make..

[@DareChimaera]

@@TheREALMuad-dib you got a point there

[@TheREALMuad-dib]

@@DareChimaera thanks man, at least you're a very reasonable young man in the face of a awrnry old slave lol

[@scrapperstacker8629]

Solving problems…. That is the key of any business. Identify the problem diagnose the problem and come up with a way to fix the problem….. study this learn this and apply this to any business, and you will be successful.

[@TheLaRell]

Thanks for making this video! I too have been welding for most of my life in support of my log trucking business and friends and family....but I am now seriously considering starting a mobile welding business. I make well over 100k a year at my current job....but there is no reward. It is a sedentary desk job and I desperately miss making cool stuff happen with my hands and skills. I love fabrication and repair. 10 years ago I had an entire truck shop, a 185CFM diesel air compressor and Sandblaster, and welders and plasma cutter, torch, grinders out the wazoo and like an idiot I sold it ALL! And am desperate to get back to doing stuff that makes me feel alive and uses the hard earned skills I developed over the 25 years since I started welding and fabricating and big rig diesel truck ownership and mechanics. Thanks again for this great video! Happy to see someone so ambitious!

[@jasonH5997]

Lol..in the beginning I'd bid my work adding in a tool or 2 that I would need to complete the job. I was only able to do that because I would be cheap to begin with but it Def helps to do that if possible. Over time you collect the needed tools and they are paid for by the jobs your doing. Awesome job with the channel bro, keep doin what ur doin

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

100% I did the same thing on certain jobs

[@melvinmariott8609]

Yeah that's what I do.

[@jakeswelding6560]

I watch this video here and there not only because I like your content but it is a real deep down side of solo welding business's that nobody likes to talk about. I've learned alot from you and has helped my buisness grow

[@mcfwelding]

great video... i just weld on the side like you said you started out doing and with my truck and equipment i have probably at least $25,000 into it and its just side work! keep it up, i really dig your videos

[@Brad-lt6mr]

IC Weld is the best tool in the shop. That guy is a torch artist. Word.

[@TM-rp7bd]

Thanks Wood. The insight helps a lot of us out. Cheers

[@scottysutherland3568]

I appreciate your knowledge you share with the world. Its people like you that remind me there are still awesome people out there ❤ I am starting my welding business as we speak. Still acquiring licenses and insurance, but ill be up and running very soon. You motivate me to dive head first into this. Ive got like $7k saved up from my job to invest. Wish me luck

[@blueweld75]

This was a great video the way you edit it dude! Also the info was solid!

[@MidwestToolReview]

I became a subscriber just on this video alone. Great vibes!!!

[@anthonymarino4260]

hard work pays of well done

[@jackjfjfjf]

I've wanted to start up a mobile welding buisness for ages over here in Aus. My town doesn't have one readily available and I know I'd make bank. Thanks for giving me the kick I needed man your a legend!

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

You can do it!

[@AndrewEisenhauer-ty2iq]

Happy for you man pretty sweet idea

[@busyboyds6684]

What’s the Montana move your talking about in another video? I’m in Idaho and would like to meet you! Keep burning bud!

[@matthewsnyder6028]

Good video bro

[@lesj7520]

Now that explains why I got so much I was a welder😂

[@84hemiboi]

Awesome vid as always. 💪🏾

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

Appreciate it!!

[@mendoblendo321]

What's a good welding machine to start a side hustle business with? Plasma cutter as well?

[@jackcarroll4251]

Great Vidya ant

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

Everyone has a story to tell and we’ll Anthony told us his and it shows how long it took

[@deanl2427]

BTW, I like the old opening music better than the new........just sayin! LOL Work safe!

[@matthewclark6318]

So not all seances or just some?

[@wrench-weld-build6545]

Don't confuse revenue with profits. The reality is that your going to clear 15%-30% if your lucky. By the time its all said and done your gonna make less than working as an employee because that 100% profit. You make your money selling the business. If your lucky enough to pay yourself a wage while building assets and a business you are lucky. But get your mind right, cause there is no get rich quick scheme.

[@kenluther9948]

the gov't is thrilled.

[@randomschittz9461]

Yeah, but how do we get invited to one of those overnight seances?

[@jasoncousins-ny5ie]

Anthony your the perfect example of the american dream guys its still possible but your gonna haft to commit

[@papapsych2746]

Great video Anthony, Do you play with pipe welding to diversify into certified pressure vessel welding? I've been practicing with Stick both hands 5g, 6g 6010, 7018 all last year on 2-3 inch pipes I have I feel confident enough to take a 6" test but since I got wiped out this last year. I'm thinking I should wait till I can do stainless tig root and stick filler and cap, before seeing if I can get a job without a truck until the war chest is replenished in this soon to be even shittier economy.

[@jayslife775]

You talk some bollocks.. $350,000 in welding gear? Mate I have a unit, 6 men, 6 trucks and is no where near $350,000. Stop talking crap. One episode you said you've been doing it ten years, then another video it was 8 years and now its 6? Make your mind up😂

[@NoNo-uu8mz]

How? I own a welding/manufacturing company work 60 hours per week and make over $20,000 per month profit. You must be in the wrong business with 6 men and 6 trucks you should be making at least $500k per year profit

[@joleaiperlis5347]

@@NoNo-uu8mz he was talking about the total value of equipment not what he makes. Stop throlling!!

[@NoNo-uu8mz]

@@joleaiperlis5347 I have $850,000 in equipment and 10 guys and a 10,000 square foot shop soon getting a 25,000 square foot shop!

[@joleaiperlis5347]

@@NoNo-uu8mz that is amazing! Still doesn't changed the fact that he was talking about equipment not his yearly salary.

[@wecx2375]

Facts 350k in welding equipment, like wtf.

[@kevinmorris792]

do you mean cfm? because 30 cfh sounds useless

[@georgef1176]

Even if I was a billionaire I would never ever buy a brand new car unless it was a super limited exotic and I had no other choice. It’s so dumb to buy new. - guess what I do for a living. Sell cars lol

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

Lol I wouldn’t have guessed

[@kuntakentay6969]

Hahahahha you won’t find any truck worth it’s salt under 10k now a days. It’s quite unfortunate for anyone that’s looking for a truck to start their business now because everyone wants a million dollars for their 20 year old truck with 200k miles. Oh do I miss pre Covid prices. The truck you paid $5k for wouldn’t even sell for under 20k today.

[@corymelvin2030]

I’ve been in the welding industry over 15 years now and I can tell you this guy is the real deal and he knows what he’s talking about. Very refreshing to see a no bullshit scrappy self-made, young man making it happen also thanks for the new found inspiration Anthony glad I found your channel. 👨🏻‍🏭 💯 From, your latest subscriber

[@PAYNEKILLER..]

I'd love to hear about the Florida bouncy castle employee struggle, I bet there's some pretty good stories there 😆

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

OH YOU DONT EVEN KNOW 🤣 let’s just say I’m glad its over

[@PAYNEKILLER..]

@Meltin Metal Anthony You should do that video, I'm excited for it 😆

[@whatsnextgarage]

Same here!! You could hear it in his voice they would be good ones!

[@netltube]

+1 for vid on bouncy castle stories vid! has to be some classic ones!

[@mikestrong4030]

Come on, you can't just drop something like that on us and leave us hanging Anthony!!!!

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

This dude went from bouncy castles to welding 😂 I love it!

[@AlejandroGonzalez-rh2mi]

Videos like this keep me motivated to keep moving forward with my business and hopefully get to the level you’re at. Thanks for the video 👍

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

Glad for that man!

[@RyanMorrisonbassfishing]

I’m 18 and about to graduate high school. I’m really wanting to get into welding and this video just fed me more motivation to get there. i love working with my hands and fixing things for my self. love your videos man can’t wait to get into welding myself

[@MisterDelicious]

Hell yeah man! The only regret I have about welding; is not starting at your age! Give em Hell and burn it in!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@MisterDelicious hell Yeah also!! the only regret is that I did not start earlier as well. I went to school for many years to become a chemical engineer and I hate it!!

[@MrPePeLePuo]

I'm 22 and I finished welding school 2 years ago. I live in an area with a lot of refineries / shipyards / fab shops. But I haven't found work yet that I want to do long term. I recently looked into joining the Boilermakers union and so far it seems like this is a path I would be willing to walk for the next 15 years at least. Look into if there's a local hall near you where you can join as an apprentice and get paid to learn. Training is online or on the job. If you're willing to travel across the country you can make a lot of money.

[@codygooch510]

If you don’t make it as a welder look into plumbing. I do it for myself and make a fucking killing. I’m so busy I name my price and still get hired. I don’t touch old pipe other than just cutting it out and I don’t touch shit. Remodels & new construction is the way to go. Easy money.

[@slavaamericana6236]

Whatever you do don’t get lowballed by a shipyard. They’ll get you stuck there for years man

[@shoptalk5769]

I have been welding since I was in diapers with my dad, I’m 25 just started my business and an actual llc at that. Thanks for the motivation! Definitely made mistakes over the years but I have also made a lot of customers happy and they keep calling back! Thanks for the motivation!

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

That is awesome!

[@choruzvargas4009]

The beauty of having a dad that's a welder man I congratulate you man not many have opportunities like that

[@bronsonleach3573]

​@MeltinMetalAnthony I have been trying to get into the industry recently got out of trade school and looking for a job. Most shops in my area do not want to hire welders with no work experience. I am debating on being self employed. I live near a lot or farms and a few logging shops. Stuff breaks all the time. I am from Pennsylvania.

[@matthewgriffiths527]

You're doing awesome Anthony, keep the momentum going!

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

Thanks!

[@arias808]

You mentioned ic weld a lot, But I think you are making a better job at letting people know that even if you don’t have all the tools you can still make it happen and be successful

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

He’s the best in the mobile equipment repair game, gotta pay homage

[@flyinpolack6633]

Another great youtube dude!

[@BluTechEquipment]

I like it man, nice to see us young guys making it happen. I started with a beater truck a year and a half ago, now I'm working on having 2 trucks running full time, brand new rig coming in the spring hopefully.

[@okieboyz815]

That’s awesome to hear man congrats! I’m 24 years old marine vet! Just started my welding course Monday! Looking to do what you go!

[@raibrazil8305]

I have been a welder in Brazil for 20 years, and here it is very precarious, I dream of seeking an opportunity outside my country, this video is great motivation

[@TrollinSmashies]

Thing is you're not limited to that area as a welder. You can go anywhere in the world because the world is built by welders!

[@robert5]

The biggest requirement to be in this business is flat out having the balls to quote super high prices when you need to quote super high prices.

[@MisterDelicious]

Dude I love your content. It's real world applicable and I can appreciate the practical advice you give.

[@niceday2dayman]

How to turn a borderline free 15k truck into a 50k per year job after taxes.

[@mpccenturion]

Good Points! I started a repair shop, when I was 16. I worked out of my dad's garage. Mech work and body repair. It was good summer money and I would take jobs on any holiday too. I learned a lot about people and how to work with them. That's 44 yrs ago. I wish you well! Cheers

[@_ROD98_]

No joke, one of the best videos I have watched, perfect . Thanks bro

[@Roensmusic]

sounds a bit weird to hear welding is an easier job than doing bouncy castles xD lol like its more manly to do bouncy castles than to work with metal and fire edit; btw great video thanks for sharing im a freelancing welder atm also running a webshop designing my own stuff

[@bonniedobkin6948]

Absolutely Fabulous what a wonderful success story ❤️🏴‍☠️🎥💯%👍🏻🇺🇸👌💰😎💣

[@dwiltd]

$150 net or gross?

[@anthonylargeanus9401]

This is video is really more than about a welding business, it’s a lesson on making success

[@toyotapickup1989]

How do you determine pricing for jobs? Metal and time are the easy answer but what if the customer supplies the metal? Purely labor time? How would I justify a labor rate based on the skills I have?

[@jseekell]

I can’t believe you picked up that service truck with an auto crane for $5k. The trailblazer itself is pushing $7k used with 1500 hours right now-What a steal. A couple years ago I remember seeing deals like that but not in a while (of course now I’m trying to acquire equipment) 😂.

[@Patcho123]

That boy came up hard 🔥🔥🔥🔥..I like that shit for real !..if that don’t motivate you then you dead dead

[@deepcreekmafia2787]

Videos like this make me strive to be a better business man I used to run a auto cleaning service but welding has always been my strong arm I decided to pick it back up and make a business out of if and watching your videos inspire me to be the best one I can be thank you 🙏🏽

[@thomaslindroos1667]

Is there something I as a european dont understand, why americans say "expecially" instead of "especially"?

[@mikecrawford5331]

Impressive story about building a business.A lot of people don’t realize how long it takes to build up and keep everything you need. I personally never bought a piece of equipment until I knew I had a job that equipment would pay for itself. I think people should think twice before buying equipment on credit. It’s better to get it piece by piece as you can afford it.

[@sempergumby8734]

So I rebuild or fix 2 to 3 auto transmission a week. Average 2.5k to 3k per vehicle. Times that by 3 equal 7.5 to 9 k a week times 4 week equal 22.5k to 27k a month times that by 12 months equal 270 to 324k a year 😉

[@navajorezathlete1202]

Hmm I'm only willing to work between 7am to 3pm absolutely no nights, no sundays, no holidays, no fencing whatsoever.

[@mcshidnfard456]

Here’s the thing. Most don’t. Most make 45-75k. Don’t be fooled while in high school or welding school. It is good decent money yes. But it’s not a Fast pass to being rich. It’s a job, you gotta wake up and do it everyday just like everyone else.

[@noride11]

How I turned 350k of welding equipment turned it down to 5k but now make 150k. ?? You took business acumen, past knowledge, willingness, work ethic, tenacity, and not to mention more money than just 5k to get you to 150k. Now tell kids the truth, stay in school and pick a good career. By the time you make 150k you’d be better off being a nurse, an x ray tech… something other than a dude that has to constantly bust his ass….

[@shepherdsfleetservicesllc8147]

We run mobile mechanics business/ welding. I learned in army 20 yrs ago. I having use my wife jeep for jobs until i afford a truck. And getting the work to afford it. Tools i got over the years working.

[@williamthomas9463]

I’ve been a self-employed mobile weldor/mechanic/problem solver for 21 years now and everything you just said is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH! I’ve been very blessed and work a whole lot of long, hard hours by myself, usually. Success means different things to different people and it takes everything you mentioned along with a big dose of integrity and a double dose of God’s blessings. Thanks for taking the time Anthony.

[@DIRTDUMMY1]

Bouncing around on the the KZbin... Anthony, what's the current story on this big rig? I know you're busy stretched across the USA currently.

[@tonyinhbolero4815]

thanks bruh subs

[@denisdaigle5026]

Ok but i doubt you are bringing home 150k. Theres a difference in what the business brings in vs what you actually bring home from it. People misconcieve that information and make it seem over inflated

[@nicklebac6753]

Good video man, I’ve been in the trade about 2 years now I’m 24, at my shop we do a ton to structural steel and hand railings but I really enjoy when the garbage containers and beat up dump trucks or excavators come in, it really challenges you to think outside the box. I know working for someone right now doing what I do will help me with my own business in the future. It’s like I’m getting paid to learn everyday and save possible headaches in my own business.

[@christianrobles2743]

Man I love watching your videos giving business advice, you remind me of me in many ways and it inspires me to take risks and pursue the unknown everyone around me just chooses what’s easy and safe, but god that is so soul crushing.

[@garyyorke1080]

It seems although I'm subscribed I'm getting a fair few of your older videos about a year back . With this video I like the way that you describe in detail the nitty gritty and the down n dirty ways you have to get to to earn the money . Not everybody wants to roll round under boat trailers or fairground rides but if that's what it takes it as you say how you get a reputation to do the jobs required. I'm really enjoying the videos wish I had found your channel a lot earlier . Thanks

[@MrMonkforfunk]

If you don't have access to a certain piece of heavy equipment- say a crane or whatever. You can usually rent from a sunbelt rentals and factor that cost into the price of your service. By renting you are not responsible for the cost of repair to the machine or tool and its usually not as expensive as you'd expect.

[@miket7173]

I’d love to see more videos like this on the business aspect. Great video, you’re very genuine and you deserve the success you have and the success that’s to come!

[@hirammartinez952]

First of all I want to thank you for your time and your good information I am taking some classes on the wilding at the moment look forward to learning this pretty fun want to make a better income$$$$$$& and having fun Learning

[@factsforlife0O0]

If you don't mind me asking but How much tax would you pay making 150k a year

[@LOSTINTOUCH30]

I wish I could find a deal like that for 5k. Truck with a crane and an engine driven welder 5k? Sign me up.

[@andrewgrudzinskas5778]

I want to start a welding business but I'm not very good a stick welding I'm used to cored wire welding

[@terryharris9741]

I hope you're insured, Tools don't make the Weldor, I've been at it for 45 years.

[@aaronwilson3952]

Thanks for being totally honest about it. I've been a horseshoer for 30 years and been taking welding classes thinking about trying to do Mobile welding or possibly get a career in it. Going to try to get my 1-in plate test vertical up and overhead sometime in June possibly for SMAW. But coming from that background is real similar but the overhead is a lot less. But paying your dues, due diligence, perseverance ,understanding all play a part like you talk about making mistakes and growing. Cool stuff.

[@papapsych2746]

Do SMAW, open root if you can keyhole 6010 good. Don't try MIG unless its hard to get a certification out of position with solid wire on plate. The penetration just isn't there with the lower heat inputs you need to get it to go vertical up. Never do Pulsed Mig its a garbage gimmick that looks nice, but will break apart even in flat position welding. Hopefully your welding classes will give you a certification there because it gets pricey to do it one shot elsewhere. When you get it don't forget you have to sign a document that you have done the type of welding you were certified under in the last 6 months with like $10 money order to keep the certification valid.

[@randymack1782]

I have had ups and downs, currently down. my truck needs $4,500 estimated in repair, and only a 2wd F150. so it is sitting, but not useable & I cant afford to fix, I was doing metal fab at body shops, but I quit when boss cussed me last year, everytime I try to get ahead, I get knocked back down. currently working in totally different profession. had 1 offer for a body shop, but still too low of pay, & owner offed me to use a used truck on lot to haul my tools there, but if I dont like I am stuck, and if truck was fixed I dont value it high, maybe during these Covid times it might bring $10K if driveable? as it sits, maybe $2k? maybe? I once worked out of a long bed toyota 2wd, quit in 2012, after big argument between me & customer. I still have 2 engine drives, but not used since I quit, so been sitting 10 years, 1 is a Hobart Pipeliner, the other a Lincoln Ranger9, but I have a bunch of MIG, and stick machines, but no building. a small building, but lawn equipment only, I use spare bedroom for storage, and my wife will not allow me to go in debt to build a shop, gone rounds for several years. so I take small jobs at home, if they can bring it to me. I fixed a household item last week, but second item this year.

[@waggonerwelding]

Love your videos! My wife and I started a mobile welding buisness together about a year ago. Your videos have helped a lot! Did you have to be a licensed contractor to do the staircase job?

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

I was sub contracted by a general contractor

[@waggonerwelding]

Nice. Thanks for the reply! Keep up the hard work and stay safe out there!

[@hea5843]

Great work buddy! Well done! You've earned it and I wish you all the best! Thank you for sharing! Very inspiring!

[@bobbyknight3589]

My 🚛🚒 is 4wd to 😂😂 then again all dually are or 90% of ole truck are anyway

[@joehorne8070]

Hey Anthony. Thank you for sharing. This is great encouragement for us up and coming mobile welding problem solvers.

[@Lookatitclosely559]

Everywelder is better off outside of California which sucks

[@joshuabennett7334]

You can’t look at it like 5k you need to look at it like all the knowledge and dedication and time you spent on it.

[@craigconway4093]

Awesome ! Congratulations on your success :)

[@lescoe]

I wish I had never started smoking weed. You've got more motivation in your pinky finger than I've ever had.

[@RaulGarcia-lo5sj]

Quit today bro, its never to late to persue your dreams.

[@ganjalfcreamcorn8438]

@@lescoe the negatives of weed really do sneak up on you. its fun until its not, and quitting is a bitch. im sitting here thinking the exact same thing, and i already run a business haha Need to get my shit together.

[@thebeardedstork432]

Anthony, you make some really good points! Me? I am retired now......so I live vicariously through you and your business! Keep it up! Well done!

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

congratulations man! thats a great achievement. and im glad you dig the videos

[@whatsnextgarage]

Good stuff thanks for sharing where you’ve been and where your going!! Loved the video!

[@nickrexroth2785]

So you have 350k in equipment and make 150k per year. Sounds like you are really leveraging your debt. Does the bank like you? Or have you done this so many years that your stuff is without payments?

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

I have no debt

[@Rhino5.0]

What happens when you’re machine hits high miles

[@wecx2375]

350k in welding equipment lol come on man.

[@nathanoutdoors2129]

I infact have, great info and great video

[@bhaktalex]

Is that 150K profit or revenue?

[@mas4163]

Are you close to Niles, because I see the alro steel calendars

[@FishFind3000]

8:07 it’s CFM, not CFH… Cubic Foot per Minute

[@MarioMartinez-os5ch]

Love you tell us your nolige of estimateding

[@Mad-Max171]

150k gross or net profit?

[@metalfab2449]

It depends on you bubba

[@scrapmanindustries]

heck yeah man. Them stairs you were talking about definitely have the potential to make some cash there. I started putting out better advertisements geared towards the stairs and now I might have to change my business name to "The Ohio Stair Factory". Its crazy how many stairs their are in this state that are completely destroyed yet still in service.

[@jhitt79]

Is $150,000 after overhead?