Entry-Level Welder Salary in Plymouth, MA: $44,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,018 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,570 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,060) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For entry-level welders in Plymouth, Massachusetts, starting salaries are set to begin at approximately $44,018 in 2026. Graduates entering the workforce can expect their pay to gradually increase as they gain experience, with the potential to reach the 25th percentile at around $52,277 within a couple of years. The median annual salary for welders in Plymouth is projected to be $61,060, revealing a notable gap between starting pay and the city median. This upward trajectory in earnings highlights the potential for career growth within the welding profession in Plymouth, making it an appealing market for new graduates in the field.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level welders in Plymouth, MA typically start between $44,018 and $52,277 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,885 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,060 — 9.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 49.98% of the starting welder pay ($44,018/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $44,018 to $52,277, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $43,885 ( 99.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,018, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,903.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,790
2025 BLS Actual
$42,329
2026 Current Est.
$44,018
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,052 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,818 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,165 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,729 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,631 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,774 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,790 in 2019 to $42,329 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,774. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
In this competitive employment market, various local employers offer promising opportunities for newly minted welders. Trade school graduates may find entry-level positions at production welding shops or assist as helpers in structural or pipe shops. Additionally, certified welders are often sought by non-union pipeline contractors for significant cross-country projects, while union apprenticeships, such as those with the UA or Boilermakers, provide structured training over four to five years. Earning credentials like the AWS welder certification—especially for advanced positions such as the 6G pipe certification—can significantly boost new grad welder pay in MA. Early-career welders should strategically aim for specialized certifications, as pipe and nuclear welders frequently command premium wages. Given the anticipated shortage of welders—projected at 360,000 by 2027—new graduates can look forward to realistic salary increases in their first few years, directly correlating with their skill development and certifications in high-demand specialties.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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