Welder Salary in Boulder, CO: $67,635 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Boulder, CO earns a median $67,635/year (≈ $32.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $64,291 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, welders can expect a median annual salary of $67,635, which reflects a significant 21% premium over the national average of $55,895. The salary range for welders in the area extends from $48,199 at the lower end to $79,240 for those with advanced skills or experience, demonstrating the potential for substantial earnings in this field. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the investment in welding equipment and the economic trade-offs that owners must consider when determining their hourly rates. The robust job market for welders in Boulder suggests a thriving local economy, making it a prime location for skilled tradespeople.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,199 | $23.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,153 | $24.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,635 | $32.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,595 | $34.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,240 | $38.09 |
Median Salary Position
21.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,041 (2026 est.). At $67,635, the local median is 21% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be above the median
How Boulder Welder Pay Compares
Boulder median: $67,635/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $61,264 | +10.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +21.00% more |
Welders in Boulder, CO earn a median of $67,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.00% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 10.40% above the Colorado state average of $61,264.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,635 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,291 — a 4.94% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$54,400
2025 BLS Actual
$65,040
2026 Current Est.
$67,635
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,635 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,334 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 19.6% from $54,400 (2019) to $65,040 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,334 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,934 (29.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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) | $48,199 – $51,153 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,153 – $67,635 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,635 – $72,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,595 – $79,240 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Boulder
The local job market is solid, with approximately 260 welders currently employed in Boulder, despite a higher cost of living index at 105.202, indicating that expenses surpass the national average. This reality impacts take-home pay, emphasizing the need for welders to strategically target higher-paying employers such as structural steel fabrication shops, oil and gas pipeline projects, and nuclear power plant maintenance operations. The disparity in welder pay within Boulder is influenced by factors including certification levels—where advanced credentials like the 6G pipe and ASME IX open up premium opportunities—and the choice between local and traveling work, with the latter often supplemented by per-diem. For individuals aiming to maximize their earning potential in this competitive market, obtaining specialized certifications and considering traveling positions can lead to significantly improved financial outcomes in this thriving welding hub.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Boulder, CO in 2026?
Is Boulder, CO a good place to work as a welder?
Can welders make $100K in Boulder?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted welder salary in Boulder?
How much does a welder make per hour in Boulder?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 $65,040 for weldersin the Boulder 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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