Welder Salary in Baltimore, MD: $64,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Baltimore, MD earns a median $64,391/year (≈ $30.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $61,626 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Baltimore, Maryland, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,391, which significantly exceeds the national median of $55,895 by over 15%. The salary range for welders varies widely, with the lowest earners making approximately $45,028 while top professionals can earn upwards of $99,082. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Skilled traveling pipe welders often capitalize on a tax-advantaged structure along with per-diem earnings, leading to an elevated pay scale compared to local shop positions. As a result, the competitive nature of the local job market reflects the demand for certified professionals who can navigate various welding specialties, effectively making Baltimore an attractive place for welders.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,028 | $21.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,102 | $24.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,391 | $30.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,254 | $40.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,082 | $47.64 |
Median Salary Position
15.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,054 (2026 est.). At $64,391, the local median is 15.2% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Baltimore Welder Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $64,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $61,092 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +15.20% more |
Welders in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $64,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.20% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.40% above the Maryland state average of $61,092.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,391 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,626 — a 4.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,060
2025 BLS Actual
$61,920
2026 Current Est.
$64,391
2019–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 14.5% from $54,060 (2019) to $61,920 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,900 (23.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $45,028 – $50,102 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,102 – $64,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,391 – $83,254 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,254 – $99,082 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Baltimore
Analyzing the welder pay in Baltimore MD, it’s evident that local conditions heavily influence salaries. With around 1,290 welders currently employed in the area and a cost-of-living index of 104.487, the take-home purchasing power is somewhat diminished, despite higher wages compared to the national average. Employers in sectors such as structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and aerospace frequently offer the highest compensation. Notably, those with advanced certifications, like 6G pipe or ASME IX, find themselves at the top of the pay scale, and specialties like underwater or nuclear welding command particularly high rates. Furthermore, the economic dynamics of traveling versus local work indicate that mobile welders can increase their earnings significantly, often enjoying additional per-diem pay. Understanding the factors contributing to the wage spread can help professionals optimize their career strategies in welding, particularly in a city like Baltimore where specialization and experience can make a considerable difference in income.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
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 $61,920 for weldersin the Baltimore 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
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