Welder Salary in Bedford, NH: $56,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Bedford, NH earns a median $56,487/year (≈ $27.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Bedford's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $52,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Bedford, NH welcomes a projected median annual welder salary of $56,487, slightly above the national median of $55,895. Welders in Bedford can expect a salary range between $41,628 and $78,217, with these figures derived from both state-level BLS data and local cost-of-living adjustments. For many welders, especially those engaged in specializations such as traveling pipe welding, the economics can vary significantly due to tax-advantaged structures and per-diem allowances, which can add substantially to overall compensation. As the local market embraces these factors, the job opportunities for welders in Bedford show promise, though local shop pay may not always match the lucrative offers from traveling welders or specialized roles.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,628 | $20.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,326 | $25.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,487 | $27.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,450 | $31.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,217 | $37.60 |
Median Salary Position
1.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bedford
In Bedford, NH, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,589 (2026 est.). At $56,487, the local median is 1.06% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bedford Welder Pay Compares
Bedford median: $56,487/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $59,965 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +1.06% more |
Welders in Bedford, NH earn a median of $56,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $59,965.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bedford has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bedford, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,487 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,644 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,941
2025 BLS Actual
$54,320
2026 Current Est.
$56,487
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,941 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,659 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,044 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,459 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bedford metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,941 (2019) to $54,320 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,800 (36.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bedford 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) | $41,628 – $52,326 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,326 – $56,487 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,487 – $65,450 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,450 – $78,217 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Bedford
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only six welders are currently employed in Bedford, pointing to a niche sector that might benefit from targeted recruiting efforts. The cost of living index stands at 107.3, indicating that while salaries are competitive, welders must remain mindful of their take-home purchasing power. Employers such as structural steel fabrication shops and companies involved in oil and gas pipeline welding are likely to pay the most, especially for certified professionals with advanced skills like the 6G pipe certification. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to numerous factors: the level of certification, specialty applications, and whether welders are traveling or working locally. Job seekers can enhance their earning potential by pursuing additional certifications, focusing on high-demand specialties, or considering mobile welding options, where the investment in a welding truck can lead to greater returns.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
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 $54,320 for weldersin the Bedford 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 Bedford 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