Welders Salary

Baltimore vs Waldorf: Welder Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$64,391
$30.96/hr
Waldorf, MD
$61,293
$29.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDWaldorf, MD
Median Salary$64,391$61,293
Hourly Rate$30.96$29.47
Entry Level (P10)$45,028$43,833
25th Percentile$50,102$52,211
75th Percentile$83,254$71,849
Top Earner (P90)$99,082$85,404
Total Employed1,29015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($64,391) and Waldorf ($61,293) welder salaries.BaltimoreWaldorfMedian Salary$64,391$61,293Entry Level (P10)$45,028$43,833Top Earner (P90)$99,082$85,404US Median $55,895

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Baltimore and Waldorf is $3,098 (5.05%). 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,Waldorf spans $41,571. 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
Waldorf
P10 (Entry)$43,833
P25$52,211
Median$61,293
P75$71,849
P90 (Top)$85,404

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($61,626 effective) pays 9.89% more than Waldorf ($56,078 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $64,391
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $61,626
Waldorf
Nominal: $61,293
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $56,078

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 Waldorf 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 Waldorf over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+14.5%

$54,060 (2019) → $61,920 (2025)

Waldorf, MD

+-7.3%

$63,601 (2024) → $58,941 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Baltimore or Waldorf?

Baltimore has a higher median welder salary at $64,391/year, compared to Waldorf at $61,293/year — a difference of $3,098 (5.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Waldorf?

Baltimore welders earn $30.96/hr while Waldorf hygienists earn $29.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Waldorf as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Waldorf. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $61,626, Waldorf = $56,078), job availability (1,290 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $45,028 in Baltimore and $43,833 in Waldorf. 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