Welder Salary in Dracut, MA: $58,090 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Dracut, MA earns a median $58,090/year (≈ $27.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Dracut's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $53,539 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dracut, Massachusetts, the projected welder salary in 2026 stands at $58,090, slightly above the national median of $55,895. This salary range reflects a wide spectrum, with starting positions earning around $45,134 and experienced welders reaching up to $81,227. Such figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. With a focus on the ownership pathway for rig welders, those who invest in their equipment can maximize their hourly rates, creating a lucrative opportunity if managed wisely. The local job market currently features only six welders, indicating a potential tight competition for skilled professionals in the area.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,134 | $21.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,947 | $24.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,090 | $27.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,467 | $32.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,227 | $39.05 |
Median Salary Position
3.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dracut
In Dracut, MA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,093 (2026 est.). At $58,090, the local median is 3.93% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dracut: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dracut Welder Pay Compares
Dracut median: $58,090/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dracut Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $60,637 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +3.93% more |
Welders in Dracut, MA earn a median of $58,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.93% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $60,637.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dracut has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dracut, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,090 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,539 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,159
2025 BLS Actual
$55,861
2026 Current Est.
$58,090
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Dracut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,407 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,862 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,513 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,861 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,090 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,408 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dracut metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,159 (2019) to $55,861 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,408 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,249 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut 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) | $45,134 – $51,947 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,947 – $58,090 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,090 – $67,467 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,467 – $81,227 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Dracut
Despite the median salary being competitive in comparison to national figures, the cost of living in Dracut, reflected by a CoL index of 108.5, means that take-home purchasing power may be stretched. Employers in sectors like oil and gas pipeline welding, aerospace and defense, and specialized manufacturing are predicted to offer the highest pay. The disparity between low and high salaries is influenced heavily by additional certifications, such as the coveted 6G pipe qualification, and the type of work performed. For example, traveling welders can earn significantly more due to per-diem allowances and demand cycles in the oil industry. To maximize pay in Dracut, welders should seek advanced certifications and consider self-employment as a rig welder, given the substantial initial investment in equipment can lead to greater long-term rewards in this robust market.
More salary data for Dracut, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Dracut, MA in 2026?
Is Dracut, MA a good place to work as a welder?
Can welders make $100K in Dracut?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted welder salary in Dracut?
How much does a welder make per hour in Dracut?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $55,861 for weldersin the Dracut 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 Dracut 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