Welder Salary in Barnstable, MA: $58,951 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Barnstable, MA earns a median $58,951/year (≈ $28.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Barnstable's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $54,333 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welder pay in Barnstable, MA, registers a median annual salary of $58,951 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge over the national average of $55,895. This figure encompasses a salary range from $42,364 at the entry-level (P10) to $80,619 at higher earning tiers (P90). The regional estimates consider local market dynamics and cost adjustments based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlighting the financial advantages of welding work in this area. Welders engaged in traveling roles, especially those specializing in pipeline welding, can often access a per-diem plus tax-advantaged structure that significantly enhances earnings compared to local shop salaries. Such economic incentives make the welder market in Barnstable particularly attractive for professionals looking to maximize their income.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,364 | $20.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,768 | $25.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,951 | $28.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,185 | $32.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,619 | $38.76 |
Median Salary Position
5.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Barnstable
In Barnstable, MA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,255 (2026 est.). At $58,951, the local median is 5.47% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Barnstable: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Barnstable Welder Pay Compares
Barnstable median: $58,951/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Barnstable Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $60,649 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +5.47% more |
Welders in Barnstable, MA earn a median of $58,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.47% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $60,649.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Barnstable has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Barnstable, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,951 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,333 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,813
2025 BLS Actual
$56,689
2026 Current Est.
$58,951
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,813 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,606 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,951 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,303 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Barnstable metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,813 (2019) to $56,689 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,303 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,490 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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) | $42,364 – $53,768 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,768 – $58,951 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,951 – $67,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,185 – $80,619 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Barnstable
With only eight welders employed in Barnstable, opportunities in the local job market are somewhat limited, yet this environment can still be lucrative. The cost of living index of 108.5 indicates that housing and general expenses exceed the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Among various local industries, those in structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding tend to offer the highest compensation packages. Factors influencing the wide salary spread include the specific welding certifications, experience levels, and specialized skills required for high-demand positions like nuclear or underwater welding. For welders in Barnstable, pursuing certifications such as the 6G pipe qualification or engaging in traveling roles can be effective strategies for maximizing earnings in a market characterized by competitive pay for skilled trades.
More salary data for Barnstable, MA:
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 $56,689 for weldersin the Barnstable 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 Barnstable 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