Welder Salary in Plainfield, IN: $50,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Plainfield, IN earns a median $50,960/year (≈ $24.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Plainfield's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $55,816 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Plainfield, Indiana, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $50,960. This local compensation is notably lower than the national median, which sits at $55,895, reflecting a difference of approximately 8.83%. Welders in Plainfield can expect to earn within a salary range spanning from $37,806 at the 10th percentile to $69,533 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The investment required to own welding rigs and the choice between mobile work or stationary positions play a significant role in potential earnings, emphasizing the various pathways welders can take to maximize their income in this specific market.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,806 | $18.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,381 | $22.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,960 | $24.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,982 | $27.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,533 | $33.43 |
Median Salary Position
8.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plainfield
In Plainfield, IN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,727 (2026 est.). At $50,960, the local median is 8.83% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plainfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plainfield Welder Pay Compares
Plainfield median: $50,960/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plainfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $51,579 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -8.83% less |
Welders in Plainfield, IN earn a median of $50,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.83% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.20% below the Indiana state average of $51,579.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plainfield has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plainfield, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,960 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,816 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,739
2025 BLS Actual
$49,005
2026 Current Est.
$50,960
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,916 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,005 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,994 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plainfield metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,739 (2019) to $49,005 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,994 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,255 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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) | $37,806 – $46,381 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,381 – $50,960 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,960 – $57,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,982 – $69,533 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Plainfield
Considering the local job market, only seven welders are currently employed in Plainfield, signaling a potentially competitive environment for opportunities. The cost of living index in this area is 91.3, which means that, relative to the national average, everyday expenses are lower, enhancing the purchasing power of welders' salaries. Employers across multiple sectors, such as structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding, may offer varying compensation levels, with specialized positions often commanding higher pay. For instance, welders with advanced certifications like the 6G pipe welding or expertise in nuclear welding generally earn more. Traveling welders often benefit from per-diem pay, adding an average of 30-50% to their base salary, which can be a substantial advantage. For welders in Plainfield, focusing on acquiring specialized skills and certifications will be key strategies for boosting earning potential, as well as exploring mobile welding opportunities to capture higher-paying, traveling positions.
More salary data for Plainfield, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $49,005 for weldersin the Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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