Welder Salary in Augusta, ME: $52,496 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Augusta, ME earns a median $52,496/year (≈ $25.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $52,707 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Augusta, Maine, the compensation landscape for welders reveals a projected median annual salary of $52,496 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national average of $55,895, positioning the local pay scale on the lower end of the spectrum and indicative of Augusta's market conditions. Welders in the area can expect a salary range from $41,861 at the 10th percentile to $72,809 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities show that while the market may not be as lucrative as larger urban centers, there is a demand for skilled trades, particularly in pipe welding and structural fabrication, which often commands higher pay compared to production welding roles.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,861 | $20.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,521 | $22.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,496 | $25.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,809 | $35.00 |
Median Salary Position
6.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, ME, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,948 (2026 est.). At $52,496, the local median is 6.08% 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: $52,496/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $55,669 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -6.08% less |
Welders in Augusta, ME earn a median of $52,496 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.70% below the Maine state average of $55,669.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $52,496 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,707 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,907
2025 BLS Actual
$50,482
2026 Current Est.
$52,496
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
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 | $39,907 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,503 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,838 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,496 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,591 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,907 (2019) to $50,482 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,591 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,684 (36.80%) 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) | $41,861 – $47,521 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,521 – $52,496 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,496 – $60,900 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,900 – $72,809 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Augusta
The job market for welders in Augusta is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in the field. This limited workforce, combined with a cost of living index sitting at 99.6, suggests that welders may experience modest purchasing power despite competitive wages. Among local employers, positions in structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding tend to provide higher pay, particularly for those with specialized certifications such as the 6G pipe and ASME IX qualifications. Factors contributing to the wide disparity in welder pay include certification levels, specialty areas, and the appeal of traveling work, which can offer additional per-diem compensation. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Augusta's market, gaining advanced certifications and seeking opportunities in high-demand sectors such as nuclear or aerospace welding can be essential strategies.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
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 $50,482 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
Salary data for Augusta 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