What is the average annual pay of a welder in Oklahoma?

In Texas, an independent welder with his own equipment earns $40 - $60 an hour. If working in a shop using the employers equipment, they can expect $15 - $20 an hour, depending on experience. Same here in Michigan, but because of how close we are to Ohio State University, washtenaw community college, and the fact that most high schools here train in welding, a degree is almost a must to get a job that pays $15 or more/hour here. There is a surplus of welders in the north, most are going south into hurricane areas.