Welder Salary in Brighton, CO: $58,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Brighton, CO earns a median $58,374/year (≈ $28.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $55,594 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brighton, CO, the welder salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $58,374 in 2026, which represents a slight advantage over the national median of $55,895. Welders in this area can expect to earn between $44,892 at the lower end (P10) and $83,291 at the high end (P90) of the salary range. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, showcase the local economic conditions that influence wage levels. Given the prevalence of rig welding and the financial commitment required for equipment ownership, this field presents a mix of opportunities and challenges. The local job market, however, employs a limited number of welders—only seven currently work in Brighton, pointing to competitive dynamics in securing positions.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,892 | $21.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,860 | $24.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,374 | $28.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,635 | $33.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,291 | $40.05 |
Median Salary Position
4.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,399 (2026 est.). At $58,374, the local median is 4.44% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Welder Pay Compares
Brighton median: $58,374/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $61,253 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +4.44% more |
Welders in Brighton, CO earn a median of $58,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.44% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $61,253.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,374 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,594 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,375
2025 BLS Actual
$56,134
2026 Current Est.
$58,374
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,375 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,095 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,048 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,134 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,375 (2019) to $56,134 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,328 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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) | $44,892 – $51,860 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,860 – $58,374 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,374 – $68,635 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,635 – $83,291 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Brighton
The cost of living index in Brighton is 105, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact the overall take-home pay for welders. Employers in Brighton’s market, particularly those in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and manufacturing plants, tend to offer competitive wages. However, achieving higher pay often hinges on specific certifications or skills. For instance, welders with a 6G certification or experience in specialized areas like nuclear or underwater welding can command top-tier salaries, compensating for increased investment in training and equipment. Additionally, welders who own a high-functioning rig typically see better financial returns. The disparity in earnings here is influenced by the nature of work—traveling positions may include per-diem benefits that significantly boost income. Understanding the local market and pursuing advanced qualifications are key strategies for maximizing earning potential in Brighton's welding sector.
More salary data for Brighton, 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 $56,134 for weldersin the Brighton 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 Brighton 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