Welder Salary in Clovis, NM: $50,107 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Clovis, NM earns a median $50,107/year (≈ $24.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Clovis's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $53,079 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Welders in Clovis, NM can anticipate a median annual salary of $50,107 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $55,895 for the same year, reflecting a local economy that tends to offer less than wealthier urban centers. The salary range for welders in Clovis extends from $38,231 at the lower end to $69,240 at the high end, providing opportunities for welders at various experience levels. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, which is indexed at 94.4, indicating that Clovis is slightly below the national average in living expenses. In this context, local shop pay for welders often falls short of traveling pipe welding positions, where per-diem and tax advantages entice many skilled workers to pursue opportunities in higher-paying regions.
About the Clovis Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,231 | $18.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,290 | $21.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,107 | $24.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,693 | $27.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,240 | $33.29 |
Median Salary Position
10.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clovis
In Clovis, NM, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,009 (2026 est.). At $50,107, the local median is 10.36% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clovis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clovis Welder Pay Compares
Clovis median: $50,107/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clovis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $52,744 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -10.36% less |
Welders in Clovis, NM earn a median of $50,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.00% below the New Mexico state average of $52,744.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clovis has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clovis, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,107 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,079 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,090
2025 BLS Actual
$48,184
2026 Current Est.
$50,107
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Clovis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,142 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,617 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,872 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,107 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,106 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clovis metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,090 (2019) to $48,184 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,106 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,016 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clovis 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) | $38,231 – $44,290 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,290 – $50,107 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,107 – $57,693 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,693 – $69,240 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Clovis
In terms of employment dynamics, there are currently 7 welders working within Clovis, a figure that may suggest a stable but small job market. Given the local cost of living, welders may find their take-home pay stretches a bit further compared to cities with higher living costs. The most lucrative welding opportunities typically arise in industries like oil and gas pipeline work and petrochemical turnaround crews, both of which often reward certifications such as the 6G pipe and specialized underwater welding. The disparity in pay for welders in Clovis can largely be attributed to various factors, including certification levels and the nature of the work—traveling welders can earn substantially more due to per-diem allowances and the risks involved in tackling tougher jobs. For those seeking to maximize pay in Clovis, pursuing advanced certifications and considering options outside the local market could prove beneficial, especially in light of projected industry shortages.
More salary data for Clovis, NM:
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 $48,184 for weldersin the Clovis 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 Clovis 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