Mobile welding and metal repair
Drive to farms, homes and job sites to weld, repair and fit gates, railings, trailers and equipment on the spot.
- $6k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
2,827 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.9% in a year
NAICS 332323 “Ornamental and architectural metal work manufacturing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A truck or van set up with a welder, generator and hand tools so you can repair and install metalwork at the customer's location. Jobs include gate and fence repairs, trailer and equipment fixes, and fitting brackets or railings.
Your first three steps
- Price a used truck or van and the mobile kit: welder, generator, cutting tools, clamps and safety gear
- Choose a service area by zip code and set an hourly rate and call-out fee after checking local welders' prices
- Contact farms, fence companies, equipment dealers and property managers and leave cards for urgent repair jobs
Who pays
Farms and ranches, homeowners, landscapers, property managers, contractors and small businesses with equipment that cannot easily be moved.
How it makes money
Hourly rate plus a call-out or travel fee, with materials added. Emergency and same-day repairs can be charged at a higher rate.
Skills that help
- Welding in different positions and conditions
- Diagnosing what needs repairing
- Driving and organizing a mobile rig
- Quoting on site and dealing with customers
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, commercial vehicle insurance and cover for your equipment
- Check whether your state or city requires a business license or contractor license for certain work, such as fence or railing installation
- Fire risk when welding on site, so carry extinguishers and check for dry grass or flammable materials
- Welding certifications may be required for some structural or commercial jobs, so ask customers and check local requirements
- Workers' compensation insurance once you hire help
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile welding and metal repair
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile welding business?
Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your vehicle, welder, generator, tools and insurance. These are estimates, so price your own rig and check what cover you need.
How much can a mobile welder earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on the jobs you take, your pricing and how far you travel. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week.
What licenses or rules should I check for mobile welding?
Check whether your state or city requires a business license or contractor license for certain work, such as fence or railing installation. Ask customers and check local requirements for welding certifications on structural or commercial jobs. Also check your insurance options.
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- $8k-35k
- Full-time
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Photo: greenlightvision_ch on Pixabay