Welder Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $57,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Portsmouth, NH earns a median $57,547/year (≈ $27.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $53,632 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, welders can expect competitive compensation, with a projected median annual salary of $57,547 in 2026. This reflects a healthy increase compared to national estimates, positioning local welders about 2.96% higher than the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in this area runs from $44,439 at the lower end (P10) to $76,135 for the top earners (P90). These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional pricing, making it evident that the local market offers viable opportunities for skilled welders, especially in specialized fields. As the job market progresses, understanding these dynamics will be key for individuals considering a welding career in Portsmouth.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,439 | $21.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,085 | $24.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,547 | $27.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,611 | $31.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,135 | $36.60 |
Median Salary Position
2.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, NH, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,696 (2026 est.). At $57,547, the local median is 2.96% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Welder Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $57,547/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $59,945 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +2.96% more |
Welders in Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $57,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.96% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $59,945.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,547 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,632 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,746
2025 BLS Actual
$55,339
2026 Current Est.
$57,547
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,746 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,655 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,843 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $43,746 (2019) to $55,339 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,843 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,097 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $44,439 – $51,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,085 – $57,547 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,547 – $64,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,611 – $76,135 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Portsmouth
Regarding the local job market, Portsmouth currently has a modest number of welders employed, with only five individuals in this occupation. The cost of living in the area is slightly above the national average, with a CoL index of 107.3, meaning that while salaries for welders are competitive, the higher cost of living impacts take-home purchasing power. Employers offering the highest pay typically include structural steel fabrication shops and companies within the oil and gas industry, particularly those dealing with pipeline welding and petrochemical turnarounds. The differentiation in local welder pay often hinges on certification levels—6G pipe welders and those skilled in niche areas like aerospace and nuclear welding tend to command higher salaries. To maximize earning potential in Portsmouth, aspiring welders should consider gaining relevant certifications, focusing on specialized skills, and exploring self-employment opportunities, which may yield additional financial benefits such as per-diem allowances for traveling work.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
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 $55,339 for weldersin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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