Entry-Level Welder Salary in Cedar City, UT: $41,755 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Cedar City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,755 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,564 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,164) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the welding profession in Cedar City, Utah, expectations should be grounded in the starting salary of approximately $41,755 projected for 2026. While this figure represents the entry-level pay, it is notable that the median annual salary for welders in the city is $56,164, creating a substantial gap for individuals just starting out in their careers. However, with dedication and skill development, there is a clear pathway for growth, as entry-level welders can expect to move through early career stages towards $51,007 at the 25th percentile, and potentially much higher as they gain experience. With a robust annual growth rate of 3.99%, Cedar City appears to be a supportive market for new welding graduates, providing opportunities to advance financially and professionally within the first few years.
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar City
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 Cedar City
Entry-level welders in Cedar City, UT typically start between $41,755 and $51,007 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,704 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,164 — 0.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Utah of $11,000 represents just 26.34% of the starting welder pay ($41,755/year) in Cedar City. 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 Cedar City
- 1Research the Cedar City market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $41,755 to $51,007, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar City, 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 Cedar City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar City'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 Cedar City is $34,704 ( 83.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,755, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,459.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,156
2025 BLS Actual
$40,153
2026 Current Est.
$41,755
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,079 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,332 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,755 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,421 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar City, UT grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,156 in 2019 to $40,153 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,421. New graduates entering the Cedar City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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 Cedar City
In Cedar City, several local employers actively recruit new graduates. Production welding shops often hire entry-level welders, while structural and pipe shops look for helpers and fitters. Non-union pipeline contractors frequently seek certified welders for significant out-of-state projects. Moreover, aspiring welders can take advantage of union apprenticeships through organizations like the UA or Boilermakers, which offer structured training programs lasting 4-5 years. Credentials such as an AWS certification, NCCER credentials, and specialized qualifications like NQA-1 can significantly enhance starting pay, pushing entry-level salaries higher. In the first few years, welders specializing in pipe welding—especially those with 6G certification—are positioned for better compensation, while underwater commercial divers and nuclear welders command top-tier earnings. With an anticipated shortage of welders in the coming years, new graduates can realistically expect steady salary growth as they build their expertise and credentials.
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
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 Cedar City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar City 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