Welder Salary in Bozeman, MT: $61,500 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Bozeman, MT earns a median $61,500/year (≈ $29.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Bozeman's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $59,994 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.4% above the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Bozeman, Montana, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $61,500, which is 10.03% higher than the national average of $55,895. The salary range for this profession in the region is expected to span from $47,950 at the lower end (P10) to $77,306 at the higher end (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, indicates that the local job market is particularly influenced by the types of welding work available. Pipe welders tend to command higher pay, especially those certified in 6G, due to the specialized skills required and the demand for pipeline work in the surrounding areas. Structural welders and production welders typically earn less, creating a clear gradient in compensation that reflects market needs and skill levels.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,950 | $23.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,765 | $25.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,500 | $29.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,054 | $31.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,306 | $37.17 |
Median Salary Position
10.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bozeman
In Bozeman, MT, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,356 (2026 est.). At $61,500, the local median is 10.03% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bozeman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bozeman Welder Pay Compares
Bozeman median: $61,500/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bozeman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $53,758 | +14.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +10.03% more |
Welders in Bozeman, MT earn a median of $61,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.03% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 14.40% above the Montana state average of $53,758.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bozeman has a cost of living 2.51% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bozeman, MT has a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,500 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,994 — a 2.45% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,751
2025 BLS Actual
$59,140
2026 Current Est.
$61,500
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,751 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,621 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,848 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,500 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,954 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bozeman metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,751 (2019) to $59,140 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,954 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,203 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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) | $47,950 – $52,765 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,765 – $61,500 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,500 – $66,054 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,054 – $77,306 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Bozeman
Bozeman's local economy employs around 170 welders, a solid number that contributes to the community's overall workforce. The cost of living index in the area stands at 102.51, indicating that residents face slightly higher living expenses compared to the national average. This dynamic affects how far the welder salary in Bozeman stretches; while wages may be higher than the national median, fluctuations in costs can influence purchasing power. Among local employers, those engaged in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline projects, and aerospace welding offer the most competitive compensation. The pay disparity is influenced by various factors, including required certifications and specialty work, with traveling welders often benefiting from higher pay rates and per-diem allowances. To maximize earnings in Bozeman, welders should consider pursuing advanced certifications, seeking positions in high-demand fields, and exploring traveling work opportunities that come with added financial incentives.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 $59,140 for weldersin the Bozeman 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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