Welder Salary in Bridgeport, CT: $65,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Bridgeport, CT earns a median $65,971/year (≈ $31.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Bridgeport's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.9), that paycheck buys what $61,734 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.4% above the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Bridgeport, Connecticut, can expect a median annual salary of $65,971, significantly above the national average of $55,895. The salary range for this occupation is quite broad, with figures spanning from $43,218 at the tenth percentile to $115,055 at the ninetieth percentile. The data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, indicates a competitive pay structure that differentiates among various welding specializations. Pipe welders, especially those holding 6G certification, tend to lead in earning potential, while production welders typically earn less. This performance highlights the active job market in Bridgeport, especially in sectors demanding specialized welding skills.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,218 | $20.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,518 | $24.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,971 | $31.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,171 | $39.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,055 | $55.31 |
Median Salary Position
18.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgeport
In Bridgeport, CT, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,837 (2026 est.). At $65,971, the local median is 18.03% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bridgeport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bridgeport Welder Pay Compares
Bridgeport median: $65,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgeport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $60,303 | +9.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +18.03% more |
Welders in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $65,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.03% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 9.40% above the Connecticut state average of $60,303.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgeport has a cost of living 6.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgeport, CT has a cost-of-living index of 106.864 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,971 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,734 — a 6.42% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,860
2025 BLS Actual
$63,440
2026 Current Est.
$65,971
2019–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgeport metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 29.8% from $48,860 (2019) to $63,440 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,744 (40.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport 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) | $43,218 – $50,518 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,518 – $65,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,971 – $83,171 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,171 – $115,055 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Bridgeport
As of now, Bridgeport employs around 210 welders, indicating a robust local job market despite a cost of living index of 106.864, which is above the national average. This higher cost of living influences take-home pay and purchasing power, particularly when considering specialized welding trades. Employers such as structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline companies frequently offer higher wages, reflecting the importance of certification and specialized skills, such as underwater welding or nuclear maintenance, which can command a premium. The pay gap within the industry is influenced by various factors, including certification levels, specialization, and travel opportunities, with traveling welders often earning additional per-diem allowances. For welders aiming to maximize their earnings in Bridgeport, pursuing certifications and seeking roles in high-demand sectors like aerospace and infrastructure construction can offer significant advantages.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
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 $63,440 for weldersin the Bridgeport 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