Welders Salary

Easton vs Lancaster: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Easton, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Easton, PA
$55,999
$26.92/hr
Lancaster, PA
$56,539
$27.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEaston, PALancaster, PA
Median Salary$55,999$56,539
Hourly Rate$26.92$27.18
Entry Level (P10)$43,081$43,135
25th Percentile$49,760$49,770
75th Percentile$65,853$65,514
Top Earner (P90)$79,919$76,849
Total Employed81,270
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Easton ($55,999) and Lancaster ($56,539) welder salaries.EastonLancasterMedian Salary$55,999$56,539Entry Level (P10)$43,081$43,135Top Earner (P90)$79,919$76,849US Median $55,895

Verdict

Lancaster, PA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Easton.

The salary gap between Easton and Lancaster is $540 (0.96%). Lancaster's median is +1.15% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Easton spans $36,838,Lancaster spans $33,714. Easton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Easton
P10 (Entry)$43,081
P25$49,760
Median$55,999
P75$65,853
P90 (Top)$79,919
Lancaster
P10 (Entry)$43,135
P25$49,770
Median$56,539
P75$65,514
P90 (Top)$76,849

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lancaster ($57,542 effective) pays 0.08% more than Easton ($57,494 effective).

Easton
Nominal: $55,999
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $57,494
Lancaster
Nominal: $56,539
CoL Index: 98.257
Adjusted: $57,542

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Easton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($79,919)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Lancaster if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,539/year)
  • Larger job market (1,270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,542)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Easton grew 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.5% growth in Lancaster over the same period.

Easton, PA

+3.6%

$52,000 (2024) → $53,850 (2025)

Lancaster, PA

+23.5%

$44,010 (2019) → $54,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Easton or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a higher median welder salary at $56,539/year, compared to Easton at $55,999/year — a difference of $540 (0.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Easton and Lancaster?

Easton welders earn $26.92/hr while Lancaster hygienists earn $27.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Easton to Lancaster as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Easton and Lancaster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Easton = $57,494, Lancaster = $57,542), job availability (8 vs 1,270 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Easton vs Lancaster?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $43,081 in Easton and $43,135 in Lancaster. The Lancaster area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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