Elizabeth vs Trenton: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Elizabeth, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,980▲ | $56,820 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.24▲ | $27.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,943▲ | $47,347 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,568▲ | $49,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,209▲ | $69,330 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,263▲ | $86,187 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Elizabeth, NJ offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Elizabeth and Trenton is $8,160 (14.36%). Elizabeth's median is +16.25% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabeth spans $48,320,Trenton spans $38,840. Elizabeth 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, Elizabeth ($56,406 effective) pays 2.43% more than Trenton ($55,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabeth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,980/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,263)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,406)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Elizabeth grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Elizabeth, NJ
$69,753 (2024) → $62,487 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$42,870 (2019) → $54,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabeth, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Elizabeth or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabeth and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Elizabeth to Trenton as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Elizabeth vs Trenton?
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