Welder Salary in Richmond, IN: $50,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Richmond, IN earns a median $50,183/year (≈ $24.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $54,965 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The compensation for welders in Richmond, Indiana, illustrates a unique economic landscape, especially when considering the disparity between traveling pipe welders and local shop wages. Currently, welders in the area can anticipate a median annual salary of $50,183. The prevailing salary range spans from $35,945 at the lower end to $68,738 for the top earners. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect the competitive dynamics impacting the welding profession. While local pay structures offer opportunities, many welders still find lucrative advantages in traveling positions, which often come with additional per-diem compensation and tax advantages that further bolster their earnings.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,945 | $17.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,840 | $22.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,183 | $24.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,259 | $27.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,738 | $33.05 |
Median Salary Position
10.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, IN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,793 (2026 est.). At $50,183, the local median is 10.22% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Welder Pay Compares
Richmond median: $50,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $51,576 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -10.22% less |
Welders in Richmond, IN earn a median of $50,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.22% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $51,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond 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.
Richmond, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,183 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,965 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,149
2025 BLS Actual
$48,258
2026 Current Est.
$50,183
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,675 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,207 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,939 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,201 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,186 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,149 (2019) to $48,258 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,186 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,037 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $35,945 – $45,840 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,840 – $50,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,183 – $57,259 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,259 – $68,738 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Richmond
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are only seven welders currently employed in Richmond, suggesting a tight-knit community which can affect competition and job opportunities. The cost of living index stands at 91.3, indicating affordability relative to the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of welders in the area. Employers engaging in pipeline welding or working on petrochemical projects tend to offer the most competitive pay due to the specialized skills required and the associated risks. The variation in welder pay hinges on several factors, including certification levels (such as the 6G pipe certification) and specialty areas like nuclear or aerospace welding, where premium wages are often in effect. To maximize earnings, welders in Richmond should consider obtaining advanced certifications, seeking out traveling opportunities, and staying informed on industry trends that could influence demand and compensation over time.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
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 $48,258 for weldersin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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