Salem vs Tualatin: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Salem, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,461▲ | $56,992 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.59▲ | $27.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,950▲ | $44,499 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,830 | $51,170▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,956 | $64,209▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,549 | $82,035▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Salem and Tualatin is $2,469 (4.33%). Salem's median is +6.38% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $27,599,Tualatin spans $37,536. Tualatin 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, Salem ($57,368 effective) pays 3.28% more than Tualatin ($55,548 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,461/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,368)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,035)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Salem grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.1% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Salem, OR
$47,630 (2019) → $57,180 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$57,171 (2024) → $54,805 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Salem or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tualatin as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Salem vs Tualatin?
Related Comparisons
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