Entry-Level Welder Salary in Quincy, MA: $43,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Quincy, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,965 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,521 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,167) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newcomers to the welding profession in Quincy, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary around $43,965. This figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary for welders, which stands at $60,167, illustrating a significant gap that new graduates must acknowledge. Over the first three to five years of their careers, entry-level welders have the potential to increase their earnings, with realistic growth trajectories leading through the 25th percentile at $52,097, eventually reaching the median. Quincy provides a strong market for new graduates in this field, thanks to its robust demand for skilled welders amid an ongoing shortage projected to reach 360,000 professionals by 2027.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level welders in Quincy, MA typically start between $43,965 and $52,097 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,260 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,167 — 7.64% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 50.04% of the starting welder pay ($43,965/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $43,965 to $52,097, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $46,260 ( 105.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,965, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,225.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,752
2025 BLS Actual
$42,278
2026 Current Est.
$43,965
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,752 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,777 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,719 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, MA grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,752 in 2019 to $42,278 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,719. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
Employers in Quincy looking for entry-level welders include various production facilities, structural and pipe shops, and non-union contractors focused on pipeline projects. Recent graduates from trade schools often start in roles such as welding helpers or fitters until they gain more experience. Additionally, union apprenticeships, including those with the UA and Boilermakers, offer structured training programs that can elevate a new welder’s skillset and salary potential. Credentials such as AWS certifications for specialized welding processes and positions, along with OSHA safety training, can further boost starting wages. Strategic early-career decisions are crucial; for instance, welders achieving 6G certification can command higher pay due to their specialized skills. As they advance, those who diversify into high-demand niches such as nuclear welding (NQA-1 certification) or even underwater welding could significantly increase their earnings. Overall, the initial years provide foundational experiences that, when combined with certifications, can lead to substantial salary enhancements within the first three years.
More salary data for Quincy, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for welders in Quincy in 2026?
How fast do welder salaries grow in Quincy?
Is welding school worth it in Quincy?
What do new welders make right out of school in Quincy?
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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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