Welder Salary in Apopka, FL: $50,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Apopka, FL earns a median $50,965/year (≈ $24.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Apopka's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $50,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Apopka, FL can expect to earn a median annual salary of $50,965, reflecting a slight dip compared to the national median of $55,895. The local salary range illustrates the market’s variability, with earnings spanning from $38,867 at the 10th percentile to $76,029 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional price parities, highlights the potential income for different welding specialties. In Apopka, pipe welding roles typically command higher wages than structural or production welding, often influenced by the necessity of certifications such as 6G and ASME IX for advanced positions. The demand for qualified welders remains strong, especially with an aging workforce and the gradual growth in the industry, making Apopka a competitive market for those in the trade.
About the Apopka Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,867 | $18.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,229 | $21.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,965 | $24.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,423 | $28.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,029 | $36.55 |
Median Salary Position
8.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apopka
In Apopka, FL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,162 (2026 est.). At $50,965, the local median is 8.82% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apopka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apopka Welder Pay Compares
Apopka median: $50,965/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apopka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $51,847 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -8.82% less |
Welders in Apopka, FL earn a median of $50,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.70% below the Florida state average of $51,847.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apopka has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apopka, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,965 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,561 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,743
2025 BLS Actual
$49,010
2026 Current Est.
$50,965
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Apopka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,743 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,293 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,864 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,348 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,624 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,587 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,999 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apopka metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,743 (2019) to $49,010 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,999 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,256 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apopka 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) | $38,867 – $45,229 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,229 – $50,965 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,965 – $58,423 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,423 – $76,029 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Apopka
The current job market for welders in Apopka is relatively small, with only eight professionals employed in the area, but this can create opportunities for skilled welders to negotiate higher wages, especially in fields demanding specialized expertise. With a cost-of-living index slightly above the national average at 100.8, the purchasing power of local salaries can be impacted, necessitating higher pay to maintain standard living conditions. Employers in Apopka that tend to pay higher salaries include those in pipeline welding and petrochemical industries, with certifications in underwater or nuclear welding fetching premium compensation. Factors such as certification levels, specialties, and the economics of traveling versus local work significantly influence the wage disparity. For those aiming to maximize welder pay in Apopka, pursuing advanced certifications, considering local versus traveling positions, and staying updated on industry trends are critical strategies to enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Apopka, FL:
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 $49,010 for weldersin the Apopka 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 Apopka 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