Welder Salary in Bethesda, MD: $59,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Bethesda, MD earns a median $59,009/year (≈ $28.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $53,988 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, the projected median annual salary for welders in 2026 is set at $59,009, surpassing the national median of $55,895 by approximately 5.57%. This salary reflects a range from $43,113 at the 10th percentile to $85,971 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust wage structure in the area. Estimates are drawn from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. While local shop pay may seem modest, many traveling pipe welders utilize per-diem and tax-advantaged structures to significantly enhance their earnings, making them a competitive force in the job market. This dynamic creates a landscape where local welder pay in Bethesda can be appealing, especially for those equipped with desirable certifications.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,113 | $20.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,133 | $24.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,009 | $28.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,949 | $33.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,971 | $41.34 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,858 (2026 est.). At $59,009, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Welder Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $59,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $61,086 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +5.57% more |
Welders in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $59,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $61,086.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,009 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,988 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,858
2025 BLS Actual
$56,745
2026 Current Est.
$59,009
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,858 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,189 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,667 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,231 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,745 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,364 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,858 (2019) to $56,745 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,364 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,506 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $43,113 – $51,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,133 – $59,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,009 – $69,949 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,949 – $85,971 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Bethesda
The employment landscape for welders in Bethesda comprises just 18 professionals, indicating a niche market that offers unique opportunities. With a cost of living index of 109.3, the area presents challenges for take-home purchasing power, but specialized skills can help offset this. Employers in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and aerospace sectors frequently offer the most competitive compensation. Factors influencing the pay range include certification levels, with 6G pipe and ASME IX credentials commanding higher rates, alongside the type of work—traveling instead of local employment adds 30-50% to earnings, while rig welder ownership comes with substantial initial investment. For welders aiming to maximize their pay in Bethesda, pursuing higher-level certifications and considering traveling positions could be strategic moves to enhance earning potential in this distinctive market.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $56,745 for weldersin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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