How to Invoice as a Welder: Step-by-Step Guide

A practical guide to welder invoices: the 4 fields you need, when to require a 25% deposit, why Net 14 is industry standard, and the licensing notes that matter.

Avg invoice
$1,450
Net terms
14 days
Deposit
25%
Line items
4
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1. What every welder invoice must include

A compliant welder invoice has eight parts: your business name and contact info, a unique invoice number, issue date, payment due date, the customer's name and address, an itemized list of work, the total amount due, and accepted payment methods. If you're collecting sales tax, that line is required too.

2. Set your line items

Most welders structure invoices around these 4 categories:

  • Labor — billed by hour at a ~$95 default.
  • Filler material — billed by itemized.
  • Mobile setup fee — billed by flat at a ~$150 default.
  • Certification surcharge — billed by pct.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for welders is Net 14 — payment due within 14 days of the invoice date. Most welders also require a 25% deposit upfront before starting work. Spell out late-fee terms (most states cap monthly late fees around 1.5%) and accepted payment methods on the invoice itself.

4. Licensing & legal disclosures

AWS or state-specific certification required for structural and pressure work. Mobile welders need contractor license in many states for jobs over a threshold.

5. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work is completed (or upon milestone for larger projects). Use software that tracks opens and lets the customer pay by card or bank transfer in one click — the average welder-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice
$1,450
Standard terms
Net 14
Typical deposit
25%
BLS code
51-4121

State-by-state welder invoicing guides

State rules differ on sales tax, statutory late fees, and contractor disclosure requirements. Pick your state for a guide tuned to local law.

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