Welder Salary in Meridian, ID: $53,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Meridian, ID earns a median $53,379/year (≈ $25.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $56,012 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Meridian, ID, earn a median annual salary of $53,379, which is slightly below the national median of $55,895. The salary range in this area varies significantly, from $39,917 for those at the bottom percent to $79,175 for seasoned professionals at the top. Local employment figures show that welders in this market often take on roles in structural and production welding, with pipe welders, particularly those holding a 6G certification, commanding higher wages. This gradient in pay reflects the demand for skilled work in Meridian, driven by local industries and projects that contribute to an active job market.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,917 | $19.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,950 | $22.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,379 | $25.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,885 | $29.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,175 | $38.06 |
Median Salary Position
4.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, ID, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,258 (2026 est.). At $53,379, the local median is 4.5% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Welder Pay Compares
Meridian median: $53,379/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $53,166 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -4.50% less |
Welders in Meridian, ID earn a median of $53,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $53,166.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $53,379 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,012 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,578
2025 BLS Actual
$51,331
2026 Current Est.
$53,379
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,201 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,737 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,741 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $40,578 (2019) to $51,331 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,931 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $39,917 – $46,950 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,950 – $53,379 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,379 – $61,885 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,885 – $79,175 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Meridian
In Meridian, the local job market supports approximately 30 welders, and the cost of living index stands at 95.3, indicating that expenses are below the national average. This environment enhances the take-home purchasing power for welders, making it a desirable location for the trade. The most competitive employers in the area typically include structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline projects, along with specialized sectors such as aerospace and nuclear power maintenance, which demand certifications that can raise wages significantly. Factors such as traveling work often bring additional per-diem compensation, while certification levels and specialty skills, especially in high-stakes environments, contribute to the pay disparity within the profession. For welders aiming to maximize their earnings in Meridian, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking travel opportunities can be lucrative strategies.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $51,331 for weldersin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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