Welder Salary in Paterson, NJ: $64,345 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Paterson, NJ earns a median $64,345/year (≈ $30.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Paterson's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $55,855 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Paterson, NJ can expect a median annual salary of $64,345, reflecting a notable 15.12% increase compared to the national average. The local salary range spans from $47,738 at the 10th percentile to $95,031 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a robust earning potential in this field. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price parities indicate a healthy job market for welders in Paterson, particularly for pipe welders, who often command the highest wages. Given the diverse welding applications—from structural to production welding—individual specialization can significantly impact overall compensation, further setting the stage for competitive earnings in this region.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,738 | $22.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,260 | $27.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,345 | $30.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,105 | $37.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,031 | $45.69 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paterson
In Paterson, NJ, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,293 (2026 est.). At $64,345, the local median is 15.12% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paterson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paterson Welder Pay Compares
Paterson median: $64,345/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paterson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $64,409 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +15.12% more |
Welders in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $64,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $64,409.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paterson has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paterson, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,345 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,855 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,914
2025 BLS Actual
$61,876
2026 Current Est.
$64,345
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,871 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,117 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,727 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,339 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,345 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,912 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paterson metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $48,914 (2019) to $61,876 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,912 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,998 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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) | $47,738 – $56,260 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,260 – $64,345 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,345 – $78,105 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,105 – $95,031 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Paterson
In the Paterson job market, 31 welders are currently employed, illustrating a niche but stable demand for skilled professionals in the industry. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, take-home pay must be evaluated against the local economic conditions. Employers in structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding typically offer more lucrative positions. The spectrum of welder pay in Paterson is influenced by factors such as certification level, with 6G pipe welders often earning premium wages due to their specialized skills. Moreover, the volatility of traveling versus local work, along with per-diem opportunities, can impact overall earnings significantly. Welders aiming to maximize their salaries should consider acquiring advanced certifications such as AWS approved qualifications, while strategically targeting sectors known for better compensation, ensuring they remain competitive in this evolving landscape in Paterson, NJ.
More salary data for Paterson, 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 $61,876 for weldersin the Paterson 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 Paterson 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