Concord vs Portsmouth: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Concord, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Concord, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,150 | $57,547▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.47 | $27.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,921 | $44,439▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,750 | $51,085▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,174▲ | $64,611 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,508▲ | $76,135 |
| Total Employed | 11▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Concord and Portsmouth are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Concord and Portsmouth is $397 (0.69%). Portsmouth's median is +2.96% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Concord spans $37,587,Portsmouth spans $31,696. Concord has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portsmouth ($53,632 effective) pays 0.69% more than Concord ($53,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Concord if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,508)
- ✓Larger job market (11 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,547/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,632)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Concord grew -4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Concord, NH
$57,257 (2024) → $54,957 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$56,100 (2020) → $55,339 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Concord, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Concord or Portsmouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Concord and Portsmouth?
Should I relocate from Concord to Portsmouth as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Concord vs Portsmouth?
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