Entry-Level Welder Salary in Billerica, MA: $41,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,842 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,564 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,730) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Billerica, Massachusetts, aspiring welders starting their careers can anticipate an entry-level welder salary around $41,842 in 2026. This figure sits below the city’s median annual salary of $58,730, highlighting a significant gap for newly minted graduates. However, within the first few years, beginners can expect their earnings to grow steadily, moving from the entry point of $41,842 to potentially reach $53,298 and eventually towards the city median. Given the projected 3.99% annual growth rate in this sector, newly qualified welders should feel optimistic about their employment prospects in Billerica, which offers a viable market for fresh talent, particularly with the ongoing demand for skilled workers as the existing workforce ages.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
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 Billerica
Entry-level welders in Billerica, MA typically start between $41,842 and $53,298 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,666 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,730 — 5.07% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 52.58% of the starting welder pay ($41,842/year) in Billerica. 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 Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $41,842 to $53,298, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billerica, 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 Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Welder Compensation Range
The welder wage spread in Billerica is $41,666 ( 99.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,842, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,508.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,219
2025 BLS Actual
$40,237
2026 Current Est.
$41,842
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,418 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,147 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,279 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,766 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,512 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,219 in 2019 to $40,237 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,512. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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 Billerica
Employers in Billerica providing opportunities for new graduates include production welding shops and structural or pipe shops searching for entry-level helpers or fitters. Trade school graduates can often begin their careers at these locations, while certified welders find advantageous positions with non-union pipeline contractors engaged in cross-country projects. Furthermore, apprenticeships through unions, such as the UA and Boilermakers, present a structured pathway for advancing skills over several years. Obtaining relevant credentials like AWS certification, NCCER status, or NQA-1 qualifications enhances early-career appeal and corresponds with increased pay. For those committed to career development, specializing in areas like 6G pipe welding or nuclear welding can lead to higher-paying roles, with realistic salary expectations growing substantially in the first three years of employment, given the robust demand driven by workforce shortages in the industry.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for welders in Billerica in 2026?
How fast do welder salaries grow in Billerica?
Is welding school worth it in Billerica?
What do new welders make right out of school in Billerica?
How do I become a welder in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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