Welder Salary in Idaho: $52,977 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Idaho's 16 metropolitan areas, the average median welder pay sits at $52,977/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 51-4121. Because Idaho sits at BEA RPP 95.3 (5% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $55,590 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Pocatello ($58,140), Lewiston ($55,890), Boise ($53,009).
The average median salary for welders in Idaho is projected to be $52,978 in 2026, which is about 5.2% lower than the national median of $55,895. Wage disparities exist among various cities, with Pocatello leading at $60,460, while Twin Falls shows the lowest at $47,367, creating a $13,093 gap. This difference is often driven by local industry demand, cost of living, and the specific skill sets required by employers in each area. In Idaho, aspiring welders must be aware of state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which may impact their job opportunities and potential compensation. The projected employment figures indicate a total of 2,645 welders in Idaho, highlighting a steady demand in the field. Key cities for welder employment include Lewiston with $58,120, Boise at $55,124, Nampa at $54,707, and Caldwell at $53,599. The projected annual growth rate for employment in this sector is 3.99%, reflecting a healthy outlook for welders as infrastructure projects and manufacturing continue to drive demand. Overall, welders in Idaho can expect varied opportunities and salaries, with regional factors significantly influencing their earning potential.
Idaho Welder Salary Range
Overall salary range in Idaho: $36,899 (lowest entry-level) to $83,234 (highest top earner)
Idaho vs National Average
Idaho welders earn 5.22% less than the national median ($-2,918/year difference).
Idaho Welder Salary Distribution (2026)
Welder salaries in Idaho range from $41,823 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $72,903 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $52,977. The Idaho median is $2,918 below the US national median of $55,895. The average hourly rate is $25.47/hr. Approximately 2,645 welders are employed across 16 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,814
2025 BLS Actual
$50,945
2026 Current Est.
$52,977
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Idaho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,654 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,813 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,248 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,945 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,977 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,091 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Idaho metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 38.4% from $36,814 (2019) to $50,945 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,277 (49.65%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Idaho
Lowest Paying Cities in Idaho
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Twin Falls | $47,367 |
| Mountain Home | $50,144 |
| Eagle | $50,642 |
| Post Falls | $51,116 |
| Kuna | $51,430 |
Best Value Cities for Welders in Idaho
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Idaho cities offer the most purchasing power for welders.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocatello | $60,460 | 88.906 | $68,004 |
| Lewiston | $58,120 | 91.16 | $63,756 |
| Boise | $55,124 | 95.3 | $57,843 |
| Nampa | $54,707 | 95.3 | $57,405 |
| Caldwell | $53,599 | 95.3 | $56,242 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $41,823 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $52,977 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $72,903 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Idaho metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 16 Cities in Idaho
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pocatello | $60,460 |
| 2 | Lewiston | $58,120 |
| 3 | Boise | $55,124 |
| 4 | Nampa | $54,707 |
| 5 | Caldwell | $53,599 |
| 6 | Coeur d'Alene | $53,565 |
| 7 | Meridian | $53,379 |
| 8 | Idaho Falls | $52,796 |
| 9 | Rexburg | $52,680 |
| 10 | Boise City | $52,245 |
| 11 | Moscow | $51,851 |
| 12 | Kuna | $51,430 |
| 13 | Post Falls | $51,116 |
| 14 | Eagle | $50,642 |
| 15 | Mountain Home | $50,144 |
| 16 | Twin Falls | $47,367 |
More Idaho Salary Data
Explore More Welder Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Idaho in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for welders in Idaho?
How does Idaho welder pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level welder salary in Idaho?
How many welders are employed in Idaho?
Which Idaho city offers the best value for welders?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 welder compensation across Idaho. State averages are employment-weighted across 16 metro areas — larger metro areas with more welderscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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