Welder Salary in Ellicott City, MD: $61,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Ellicott City, MD earns a median $61,355/year (≈ $29.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Ellicott City's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $56,134 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Ellicott City, Maryland can expect a median annual salary of $61,355, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national standard. The pay range for this occupation locally stretches from $43,979 on the lower end (P10) to $85,775 for top earners (P90), highlighting significant potential for skilled welders to maximize their earnings. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost dynamics, which are critical for understanding local economic conditions. The unique landscape of job opportunities in Ellicott City includes both local shop positions and lucrative traveling roles, the latter often accompanied by per-diem benefits and tax advantages that can substantially boost overall earnings.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,979 | $21.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,341 | $25.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,355 | $29.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,561 | $33.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,775 | $41.24 |
Median Salary Position
9.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellicott City
In Ellicott City, MD, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,796 (2026 est.). At $61,355, the local median is 9.77% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellicott City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellicott City Welder Pay Compares
Ellicott City median: $61,355/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellicott City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $61,111 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +9.77% more |
Welders in Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $61,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $61,111.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellicott City has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellicott City, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,355 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,134 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,641
2025 BLS Actual
$59,001
2026 Current Est.
$61,355
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,641 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,507 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,184 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,721 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,666 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,803 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellicott City metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,641 (2019) to $59,001 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,803 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,162 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellicott City 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) | $43,979 – $52,341 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,341 – $61,355 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,355 – $70,561 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,561 – $85,775 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Ellicott City
The local welding job market in Ellicott City is relatively limited, with only 15 welders currently employed in the area. However, this small workforce does not negate the importance of understanding the cost of living, which sits at a higher index of 109.3 for the area, affecting the real purchasing power of take-home pay. Employers like structural steel fabrication shops, oil and gas pipeline operations, and specialized facilities in aerospace or nuclear power present the best opportunities for high wages. The salary spread is influenced by certification levels, with 6G pipe and ASME IX qualifications commanding higher pay, particularly for traveling welders. To maximize salary potential in this specific market, welders should aim for specialized certifications and consider the demand fluctuations in pipeline work to negotiate better rates.
More salary data for Ellicott City, 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 $59,001 for weldersin the Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City 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