Welder Salary in Dundalk, MD: $59,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Dundalk, 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 Dundalk'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
Welder salaries in Dundalk, Maryland, indicate a competitive landscape as professionals navigate between local shop pay and potentially lucrative traveling pipe welding positions. In 2026, the projected median annual salary stands at $59,009, surpassing the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in Dundalk varies significantly, with earnings from $43,356 at the 10th percentile up to $83,818 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect the diverse opportunities available in the area. The attractiveness of traveling welders often lies in their ability to earn higher wages through per-diem allowances, which can enhance overall compensation compared to static local positions within the city's welding shops.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,356 | $20.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,133 | $24.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,009 | $28.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,949 | $33.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,818 | $40.30 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk
In Dundalk, MD, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,462 (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 Dundalk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dundalk Welder Pay Compares
Dundalk median: $59,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dundalk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $61,086 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +5.57% more |
Welders in Dundalk, 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
Dundalk has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dundalk, 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 Dundalk (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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk 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) | $43,356 – $51,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,133 – $59,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,009 – $69,949 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,949 – $83,818 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Dundalk
A closer examination of Dundalk's job market reveals that only 10 welders are currently employed in the area, suggesting a niche yet stable environment for these skilled trades. The cost of living index for Dundalk is 109.3, highlighting that residents face a higher than average expense level, which can impact take-home pay. Industries such as shipbuilding, oil and gas, and aerospace are significant employers, with varying pay scales influenced by certifications and specialties. For instance, 6G-certified pipe welders command premium rates, while traveling welders can expect additional per-diem compensation. This disparity between entry-level wages and higher-end salaries is largely driven by the level of certification, specialty skills, and the cyclical nature of project demand, especially in sectors like construction and nuclear maintenance. For welders in Dundalk, focusing on obtaining advanced certifications, considering mobile welding options, and targeting industries with high operating demands can be effective strategies to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Dundalk, 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 $56,745 for weldersin the Dundalk 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 Dundalk 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