Welder Salary in Aurora, CO: $59,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Aurora, CO earns a median $59,895/year (≈ $28.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $57,043 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a welder salary in Aurora, CO is projected to reach $59,895, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $55,895. The local salary range will vary from $42,129 at the 10th percentile to $89,632 at the 90th percentile, highlighting opportunities for both entry-level positions and seasoned professionals. The figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost-of-living adjustments, emphasizing the economic factors at play. For welders willing to explore traveling pipe welding roles, per-diem compensation structures can significantly enhance earnings, with potential rates far exceeding local shop pay. This makes Aurora's job market particularly attractive for skilled welders looking to maximize their income.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,129 | $20.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,818 | $24.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,895 | $28.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,586 | $34.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,632 | $43.09 |
Median Salary Position
7.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,503 (2026 est.). At $59,895, the local median is 7.16% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Welder Pay Compares
Aurora median: $59,895/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $61,242 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +7.16% more |
Welders in Aurora, CO earn a median of $59,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.16% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Colorado state average of $61,242.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,895 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,043 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,531
2025 BLS Actual
$57,597
2026 Current Est.
$59,895
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,531 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,375 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,943 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,384 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,285 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $45,531 (2019) to $57,597 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,285 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,754 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $42,129 – $50,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,818 – $59,895 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,895 – $71,586 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,586 – $89,632 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Aurora
With 54 welders currently employed in Aurora, the local job market reflects a modest yet steady demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living in the area, indexed at 105, implies that welders must carefully consider their take-home pay against living expenses. Employers in sectors like oil and gas pipeline welding, structural steel fabrication, and aerospace defense are among those offering the highest pay. The significant variance in welder pay in Aurora is driven by factors such as certification level, specialization, and the shift between traveling and local work. Those with advanced credentials, like 6G pipe certification or expertise in specialized fields such as nuclear welding, command premium compensation. To achieve the best pay, welders should pursue advanced certifications, consider mobile rig work for higher earning potential, and stay attuned to emerging industry demands, particularly in sectors experiencing booms.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
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 $57,597 for weldersin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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