Welders Salary

Baltimore vs Germantown: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Baltimore, MD and Germantown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$64,391
$30.96/hr
Germantown, MD
$61,496
$29.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDGermantown, MD
Median Salary$64,391$61,496
Hourly Rate$30.96$29.56
Entry Level (P10)$45,028$44,308
25th Percentile$50,102$52,632
75th Percentile$83,254$72,241
Top Earner (P90)$99,082$88,501
Total Employed1,29022
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($64,391) and Germantown ($61,496) welder salaries.BaltimoreGermantownMedian Salary$64,391$61,496Entry Level (P10)$45,028$44,308Top Earner (P90)$99,082$88,501US Median $55,895

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Germantown is $2,895 (4.71%). Baltimore's median is +15.20% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $54,054,Germantown spans $44,193. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$45,028
P25$50,102
Median$64,391
P75$83,254
P90 (Top)$99,082
Germantown
P10 (Entry)$44,308
P25$52,632
Median$61,496
P75$72,241
P90 (Top)$88,501

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($61,626 effective) pays 9.53% more than Germantown ($56,263 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $64,391
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $61,626
Germantown
Nominal: $61,496
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $56,263

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,391/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($99,082)
  • Larger job market (1,290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,626)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Germantown if…

  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Baltimore grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.3% growth in Germantown over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+14.5%

$54,060 (2019) → $61,920 (2025)

Germantown, MD

+-7.3%

$63,812 (2024) → $59,136 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Baltimore or Germantown?

Baltimore has a higher median welder salary at $64,391/year, compared to Germantown at $61,496/year — a difference of $2,895 (4.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Germantown?

Baltimore welders earn $30.96/hr while Germantown hygienists earn $29.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Germantown as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Germantown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $61,626, Germantown = $56,263), job availability (1,290 vs 22 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Baltimore vs Germantown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $45,028 in Baltimore and $44,308 in Germantown. The Baltimore area offers higher starting salaries.
JM

Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder

Career Analyst

James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov