Welder Salary in Framingham, MA: $60,786 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Framingham, MA earns a median $60,786/year (≈ $29.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Framingham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $56,024 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a traveling pipe welder in Framingham could expect to earn a median annual salary of $60,786, which reflects a competitive edge over the national average of $55,895. The salary range for welders in the area spans from $43,377 at the tenth percentile to $86,799 at the ninetieth percentile, with local estimates informed by state-level data and regional cost adjustments. This level of compensation is indicative of a market where specialty skills, such as the 6G pipe certification, offer lucrative opportunities, particularly when compared to local shop pay. Welders in Framingham not only benefit from these salary figures but also encounter diverse job opportunities that influence earning potential significantly.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,377 | $20.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,710 | $24.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,786 | $29.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,185 | $34.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,799 | $41.73 |
Median Salary Position
8.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Framingham
In Framingham, MA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,422 (2026 est.). At $60,786, the local median is 8.75% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Framingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Framingham Welder Pay Compares
Framingham median: $60,786/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Framingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $60,665 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +8.75% more |
Welders in Framingham, MA earn a median of $60,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.75% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $60,665.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Framingham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Framingham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,786 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,024 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,209
2025 BLS Actual
$58,454
2026 Current Est.
$60,786
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,057 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,124 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,701 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,454 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,786 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,212 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Framingham metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,209 (2019) to $58,454 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,212 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,003 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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) | $43,377 – $51,710 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,710 – $60,786 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,786 – $71,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,185 – $86,799 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Framingham
Given that there are only 17 welders employed in the Framingham area, the local job market remains modest yet offers a competitive compensation structure amid a cost-of-living index of 108.5. This suggests that while wages are comparatively higher than some regions, the purchasing power may not be as robust due to living expenses. Employers in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and aerospace defense are among those that typically offer the highest wages. Variations in pay are influenced by factors such as certification levels—where specialized skills command premiums—and employment types, with traveling welders often reaping substantial benefits from per-diem payments. To maximize their earnings, welders should consider acquiring additional certifications and pursuing opportunities in high-demand sectors while also staying aware of local job market trends.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
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 $58,454 for weldersin the Framingham 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 Framingham 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