Welder Salary in Augusta, GA: $52,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Augusta, GA earns a median $52,827/year (≈ $25.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.9), that paycheck buys what $57,481 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For welders considering a path in Augusta, Georgia, the projected median annual salary stands at $52,827, reflecting a competitive wage landscape compared to the national median of $55,895. This figure is rooted in comprehensive analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and indicates a salary range from $40,057 at the lower end (P10) to $73,843 for the top earners (P90). Given the city's evolving job market dynamics, the opportunities for growth and advancement remain robust, particularly for those specializing in high-demand areas such as pipeline and aerospace welding. Understanding the economic balance of equipment investment against hourly rates can significantly influence income, especially for rig welders contemplating ownership of their own equipment, which can require substantial upfront costs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,057 | $19.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,215 | $21.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,827 | $25.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,153 | $30.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,843 | $35.50 |
Median Salary Position
5.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, GA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,786 (2026 est.). At $52,827, the local median is 5.49% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Augusta Welder Pay Compares
Augusta median: $52,827/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $49,884 | +5.90% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -5.49% less |
Welders in Augusta, GA earn a median of $52,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.90% above the Georgia state average of $49,884.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 8.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 91.903 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $52,827 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,481 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.81% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,060
2025 BLS Actual
$50,800
2026 Current Est.
$52,827
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,935 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 23.7% from $41,060 (2019) to $50,800 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,935 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,875 (33.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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) | $40,057 – $45,215 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,215 – $52,827 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,827 – $63,153 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,153 – $73,843 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Augusta
In Augusta, the local workforce sees approximately 680 welders actively employed, signaling a stable demand in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 91.903, welders enjoy a purchasing power advantage, allowing them to maximize earnings relative to living expenses. Employers across various sectors, from structural steel fabrication to oil and gas pipeline operations, often offer competitive salaries, with those in high-skill roles earning more. The disparity in pay can be traced to several factors, including certification levels and specialized skills. For instance, 6G pipe welding and nuclear certifications can significantly boost earnings. Additionally, traveling welders can expect higher hourly rates augmented by per-diem allowances. To optimize pay in this market, prospective welders should focus on gaining advanced certifications and skills, particularly in areas with high demand, and consider opportunities that provide additional benefits for travel or specialized work.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
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 $50,800 for weldersin the Augusta 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