Entry-Level Welder Salary in Burlington, IA: $44,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,038 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,715 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,179) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A starting welder salary in Burlington, IA presents new graduates with an initial opportunity of around $44,038 annually. This entry-level figure is notably below the city median salary of $57,179, illustrating a gap that many new welders can close over time as they gain experience and additional certifications. As they progress in their careers, entry-level welders can expect to see their earnings increase significantly; reaching the 25th percentile at approximately $50,810 within the first few years. For recent graduates entering the job market in 2026, Burlington offers a solid landscape for development, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.99%, making it a promising location for both employment and salary progression in the welding profession.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level welders in Burlington, IA typically start between $44,038 and $50,810 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,820 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,179 — 2.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Iowa of $11,000 represents just 24.98% of the starting welder pay ($44,038/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AWS-aligned welding certificate and associate programs at community colleges and technical schools. Costs vary significantly based on program length (6 months vs 2 years) and specialty certifications (structural, pipe, underwater).
WLD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $44,038 to $50,810, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the welding field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Welder Compensation Range
The welder wage spread in Burlington is $33,820 ( 76.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,038, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,858.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,804
2025 BLS Actual
$42,348
2026 Current Est.
$44,038
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,804 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,182 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,978 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,348 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,795 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,804 in 2019 to $42,348 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,795. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your welding Career in Burlington
In Burlington, several types of employers actively seek out new welding graduates, including production shops, structural and pipe companies, and non-union pipeline contractors. Entry-level welders are often hired as helpers or fitters, providing critical on-the-job experience that can lead to better pay and more advanced positions. Pursuing credentials such as the AWS welder certification or NCCER credentials can also enhance a candidate's market value. Over the first three years, welders can substantially increase their earnings, particularly those who acquire skills in high-demand areas such as pipe welding or nuclear welding. Realistic expectations for salary growth in this market, despite starting lower, indicate that those with specialized certifications—including the sought-after 6G certification—can command top salaries, eventually reaching earnings that are competitive nationally. With an aging workforce in the welding industry, the sustainability of this demand indicates favorable conditions for new grads looking to advance their careers in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new welding graduates. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov