Boston vs Salem: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Boston, MA and Salem, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,314▲ | $58,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.88▲ | $28.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,986▲ | $45,903 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,494▲ | $52,682 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,136▲ | $66,032 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,759▲ | $84,438 |
| Total Employed | 2,210▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Boston and Salem is $7,880 (13.49%). Boston's median is +18.64% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $35,773,Salem spans $38,535. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($61,251 effective) pays 13.73% more than Salem ($53,856 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,314/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,759)
- ✓Larger job market (2,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,251)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Boston grew 17.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.0% growth in Salem over the same period.
Boston, MA
$54,160 (2019) → $63,770 (2025)
Salem, MA
$66,907 (2024) → $56,192 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Boston or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Salem?
Should I relocate from Boston to Salem as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Boston vs Salem?
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.
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