Meriden vs Waterbury: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Meriden, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Meriden, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,543▲ | $54,813 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.63▲ | $26.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,804▲ | $38,851 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,139▲ | $46,785 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,551▲ | $66,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,366▲ | $81,206 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Meriden, CT offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Meriden and Waterbury is $4,730 (8.63%). Meriden's median is +6.53% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meriden spans $37,562,Waterbury spans $42,355. Waterbury 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, Meriden ($55,184 effective) pays 0.45% more than Waterbury ($54,935 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Meriden if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,543/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,366)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,184)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Meriden grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.2% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Meriden, CT
$63,916 (2024) → $57,258 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$53,340 (2019) → $52,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Meriden, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Meriden or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Meriden and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Meriden to Waterbury as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Meriden vs Waterbury?
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