Entry-Level Welder Salary in Weymouth, MA: $42,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Weymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,763 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Weymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,413 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,522) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the welding industry in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the starting welder salary is projected to be around $42,763 in 2026. This figure represents the lower tier of entry-level wages for welders, which sets the stage for future growth in earnings as individuals gain experience. Comparatively, the city’s median annual salary for welders is anticipated to reach $60,522, illustrating a significant potential gap for those just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, an entry-level position allows for a realistic growth trajectory where early-career welders can expect to see their pay rise as they move from the P10 figure up through the P25 to the median, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.99%. With this upward potential in mind, Weymouth appears to be a favorable market for new welding graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Weymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Weymouth
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 Weymouth
Entry-level welders in Weymouth, MA typically start between $42,763 and $53,473 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,126 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,522 — 8.28% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 51.45% of the starting welder pay ($42,763/year) in Weymouth. 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 Weymouth
- 1Research the Weymouth market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $42,763 to $53,473, 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 Weymouth, 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 Weymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Weymouth'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 Weymouth is $47,126 ( 110.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,763, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,889.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,883
2025 BLS Actual
$41,122
2026 Current Est.
$42,763
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Weymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,883 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,077 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,469 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Weymouth, MA grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,883 in 2019 to $41,122 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,469. New graduates entering the Weymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weymouth 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 Weymouth
Analyzing the opportunities in Weymouth, employers commonly hiring new welding graduates include local production shops as well as structural and pipe fabrication companies. Early-career welders typically start as helpers or fitters before transitioning into more specialized roles. Certification plays a crucial role in maximizing starting pay in Massachusetts; credentials such as a trade school welding certificate and AWS welder certification for various processes can significantly enhance employability and salary prospects. Additionally, apprenticeships with union organizations like the UA and the Boilermakers offer structured training that can lead to superior wage opportunities. In the first few years, entry-level welders who acquire advanced certifications, particularly in 6G pipe welding, can command significantly higher wages, and those specializing in fields like nuclear welding remain in particularly high demand. Considering the projected shortage of welders in the coming years, new graduates can expect realistic salary increases as they navigate through the early stages of their careers, making Weymouth an excellent place for aspiring welders to begin their journey.
More salary data for Weymouth, 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 Weymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Weymouth 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