Entry-Level Welder Salary in Clearfield, UT: $42,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Clearfield, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,004 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clearfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($54,375) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the welding field in Clearfield, Utah, can yield varying starting pay for new graduates. In 2026, entry-level welders are projected to earn around $42,004, which sits noticeably below the city’s median annual salary of $54,375. However, there is potential for significant wage growth as one gains experience; early-career welders can expect their earnings to rise toward the P25 mark of $48,445 within a few years. This promising growth trajectory indicates that Clearfield remains a favorable market for new graduates, especially with the industry's ongoing demand, driven by an aging workforce and projected shortages.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clearfield
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 Clearfield
Entry-level welders in Clearfield, UT typically start between $42,004 and $48,445 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,801 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $54,375 — 2.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Utah of $11,000 represents just 26.19% of the starting welder pay ($42,004/year) in Clearfield. 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 Clearfield
- 1Research the Clearfield market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $42,004 to $48,445, 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 Clearfield, 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 Clearfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clearfield'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 Clearfield is $35,801 ( 85.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,004, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,805.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,335
2025 BLS Actual
$40,392
2026 Current Est.
$42,004
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,335 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,419 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,526 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,680 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Clearfield, UT grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,335 in 2019 to $40,392 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,680. New graduates entering the Clearfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
Employers in Clearfield looking to hire new welders range from production welding shops to structural and pipe shops, often providing entry-level positions as helpers or fitters. Union opportunities, such as apprenticeships with the UA or Boilermakers, offer structured pathways for growth, while non-union pipeline contractors frequently recruit certified welders for significant projects. To enhance starting pay in Utah, new grads should consider acquiring additional credentials, including AWS certification or NCCER credentialing, which can facilitate entry into high-paid sub-specialties like nuclear welding or 6G pipe welding. Setting realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years, ambitious welders can ultimately aim for traveling positions that yield earnings between $40-$70/hr, enhancing their overall career trajectory in this growing field.
More salary data for Clearfield, 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 Clearfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearfield 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