Toms River vs Trenton: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Toms River, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Toms River, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,484▲ | $56,820 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.52▲ | $27.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,699▲ | $47,347 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,553▲ | $49,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,985▲ | $69,330 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,711▲ | $86,187 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Toms River, NJ offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Toms River and Trenton is $6,664 (11.73%). Toms River's median is +13.58% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Toms River spans $40,012,Trenton spans $38,840. Toms River 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, Toms River ($55,108 effective) pays 0.07% 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 Toms River if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,484/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,711)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,108)
- ✓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 Toms River grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Toms River, NJ
$68,147 (2024) → $61,048 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$42,870 (2019) → $54,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Toms River, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Toms River or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Toms River and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Toms River to Trenton as a welder?
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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