Welders Salary

Baltimore vs Silver Spring: Welder Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$64,391
$30.96/hr
Silver Spring, MD
$59,531
$28.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDSilver Spring, MD
Median Salary$64,391$59,531
Hourly Rate$30.96$28.62
Entry Level (P10)$45,028$44,562
25th Percentile$50,102$52,203
75th Percentile$83,254$71,184
Top Earner (P90)$99,082$85,588
Total Employed1,29012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($64,391) and Silver Spring ($59,531) welder salaries.BaltimoreSilver SpringMedian Salary$64,391$59,531Entry Level (P10)$45,028$44,562Top Earner (P90)$99,082$85,588US Median $55,895

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Baltimore and Silver Spring is $4,860 (8.16%). 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,Silver Spring spans $41,026. 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
Silver Spring
P10 (Entry)$44,562
P25$52,203
Median$59,531
P75$71,184
P90 (Top)$85,588

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($61,626 effective) pays 13.15% more than Silver Spring ($54,466 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $64,391
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $61,626
Silver Spring
Nominal: $59,531
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $54,466

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 Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+14.5%

$54,060 (2019) → $61,920 (2025)

Silver Spring, MD

+-7.3%

$61,773 (2024) → $57,247 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Baltimore or Silver Spring?

Baltimore has a higher median welder salary at $64,391/year, compared to Silver Spring at $59,531/year — a difference of $4,860 (8.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Silver Spring?

Baltimore welders earn $30.96/hr while Silver Spring hygienists earn $28.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Silver Spring as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Silver Spring. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $61,626, Silver Spring = $54,466), job availability (1,290 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Baltimore vs Silver Spring?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $45,028 in Baltimore and $44,562 in Silver Spring. 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