New Bedford vs Springfield: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between New Bedford, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bedford, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,098▲ | $58,245 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.38▲ | $28.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,103▲ | $41,898 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,007▲ | $49,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,061▲ | $63,798 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,284▲ | $76,256 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 220▲ |
Verdict
New Bedford, MA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between New Bedford and Springfield is $2,853 (4.90%). New Bedford's median is +9.31% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $41,181,Springfield spans $34,358. New Bedford 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, Springfield ($60,633 effective) pays 7.67% more than New Bedford ($56,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,098/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,284)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,633)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in New Bedford grew 56.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
New Bedford, MA
$37,530 (2019) → $58,754 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$50,420 (2019) → $56,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bedford, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: New Bedford or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Bedford and Springfield?
Should I relocate from New Bedford to Springfield as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in New Bedford vs Springfield?
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