Welder Salary in Pelham, AL: $46,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Pelham, AL earns a median $46,035/year (≈ $22.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Pelham's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $52,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Pelham, Alabama, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $46,035 in 2026, substantially below the national average of $55,895. The local salary range varies significantly, from $36,621 at the lower end (P10) to $62,061 at the high end (P90), reflecting the diverse skill sets and specialties within the welding field. This pay gradient is particularly pronounced among different types of welding, with pipe welders generally commanding higher rates compared to those in structural or production welding roles. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments reveal that the local market's unique demands influence compensation, making specialization and certification crucial for maximizing earnings in Pelham's welding sector.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,621 | $17.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,610 | $20.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,035 | $22.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,436 | $25.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,061 | $29.83 |
Median Salary Position
17.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pelham
In Pelham, AL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,440 (2026 est.). At $46,035, the local median is 17.64% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pelham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pelham Welder Pay Compares
Pelham median: $46,035/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pelham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $49,768 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -17.64% less |
Welders in Pelham, AL earn a median of $46,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.64% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $49,768.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pelham has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pelham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $46,035 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,372 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,995
2025 BLS Actual
$44,269
2026 Current Est.
$46,035
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,995 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,395 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,718 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,392 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,872 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pelham metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $34,995 (2019) to $44,269 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,872 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,877 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,621 – $41,610 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,610 – $46,035 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,035 – $52,436 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,436 – $62,061 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Pelham
In terms of the job market, Pelham currently has only 4 welders employed, underlining a relatively limited workforce and potential for job availability in this skilled trade. With a cost-of-living index standing at 87.9, which is below the national average, welders in the area may find their take-home purchasing power slightly more favorable when compared to other regions. Among local employers, structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline projects typically offer the highest pay, especially for those with advanced certifications like 6G pipe welding and ASME Section IX knowledge. The disparity in welder pay in Pelham can also be attributed to various factors, including the level of certification, specialty area, and whether welders are engaged in traveling work, as this type of employment often includes substantial per-diem benefits. For welders looking to maximize their compensation in Pelham, it is advisable to pursue advanced certifications and consider opportunities in high-demand sectors such as nuclear and aerospace where specialty skills yield higher returns.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,269 for weldersin the Pelham metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pelham 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