Welder Salary in Rochester, NH: $57,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Rochester, NH earns a median $57,731/year (≈ $27.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $53,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Rochester, New Hampshire, can expect to see a projected median annual salary of $57,731 in 2026, which is slightly above the national average of $55,895. The local salary spectrum ranges from $45,320 at the 10th percentile to $81,415 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant disparity in earning potential. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, indicate a competitive market for skilled welders in the area. For professionals exploring the rig welder ownership pathway, the upfront investment in equipment can create a tradeoff with hourly rates, as owning a welding truck can range between $80,000 and $150,000, impacting overall profitability.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,320 | $21.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,969 | $24.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,731 | $27.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,295 | $32.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,415 | $39.14 |
Median Salary Position
3.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NH, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,095 (2026 est.). At $57,731, the local median is 3.28% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Welder Pay Compares
Rochester median: $57,731/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $59,949 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +3.28% more |
Welders in Rochester, NH earn a median of $57,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $59,949.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,731 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,803 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,886
2025 BLS Actual
$55,516
2026 Current Est.
$57,731
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,642 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,102 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,548 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,516 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,035 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $43,886 (2019) to $55,516 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,035 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,149 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $45,320 – $51,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,969 – $57,731 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,731 – $67,295 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,295 – $81,415 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Rochester
Across the local welding job market, there are currently seven welders employed in Rochester, revealing a niche demand despite the limited number of positions. The cost of living index stands at 107.3, reflecting a higher-than-average living expense which can erode the purchasing power of salaries in the region. Industries such as structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding tend to offer the most favorable pay levels. The variability in salaries is predominantly influenced by certification levels—welders with advanced qualifications like the 6G pipe certification or specialties in underwater welding can command significantly higher rates. Additionally, the choice between local employment and traveling assignments affects total earnings, with per-diem rates for travel often augmenting base pay by 30-50%. For welders in Rochester looking to maximize their earning potential, acquiring specialized certifications and considering mobile welding opportunities may offer optimal pathways to higher incomes.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 $55,516 for weldersin the Rochester 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 Rochester 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