Welder Salary in Atlantic City, NJ: $63,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Atlantic City, NJ earns a median $63,309/year (≈ $30.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Atlantic City's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.9), that paycheck buys what $64,041 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlantic City, New Jersey, welders enjoy a competitive median salary of $63,309 in 2026, demonstrating a notable 13.26% increase compared to the national median of $55,895. The local salary range significantly varies, with starting salaries at approximately $42,698 for entry-level positions and experienced welders earning up to $94,246. Data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) underscores this region's favorable conditions for welders, particularly in the areas of pipe welding and specialty roles, which tend to dominate the market. Given the unique combination of recreational and industrial demands in Atlantic City, this industry's robust growth is further supported by local projects and ongoing infrastructural developments, making it an attractive option for those in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,698 | $20.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,790 | $23.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,309 | $30.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,199 | $35.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,246 | $45.31 |
Median Salary Position
13.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlantic City
In Atlantic City, NJ, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,548 (2026 est.). At $63,309, the local median is 13.26% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Atlantic City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Atlantic City Welder Pay Compares
Atlantic City median: $63,309/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlantic City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $64,404 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +13.26% more |
Welders in Atlantic City, NJ earn a median of $63,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.26% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.70% below the New Jersey state average of $64,404.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlantic City has a cost of living 1.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlantic City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 98.857 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $63,309 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,041 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.16% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,126
2025 BLS Actual
$60,880
2026 Current Est.
$63,309
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Atlantic City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlantic City metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $48,126 (2019) to $60,880 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,709 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlantic City 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) | $42,698 – $49,790 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,790 – $63,309 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,309 – $73,199 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,199 – $94,246 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Atlantic City
With around 90 welders currently employed in the Atlantic City area, the local job market remains relatively stable, especially as the cost-of-living index stands slightly below the national average at 98.857. This situation translates to greater purchasing power for welders, enhancing their overall earning potential. Employers from structural steel fabrication, shipyards, and oil and gas pipeline welding frequently offer the most lucrative positions. The pay disparity among welders in Atlantic City can largely be attributed to varying certifications, such as achieving 6G pipe level or specializing in industries like aerospace and nuclear energy, where specific skills command higher pay. Furthermore, those willing to travel or work on per-diem rates can significantly elevate their earnings, while pursuing ongoing education through certifications from organizations like AWS or NCCER can also offer a pathway to increased compensation in this competitive regional market.
More salary data for Atlantic City, NJ:
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 $60,880 for weldersin the Atlantic City 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, 6-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