Welder Salary in Auburn, NY: $55,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Auburn, NY earns a median $55,737/year (≈ $26.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $48,091 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welder salaries in Auburn, New York, exhibit a robust median of $55,737 for 2026, reflecting the intersection of local market demand and skill requirements. The salary range is notably expansive, ranging from $42,541 at the lower end (P10) to $79,043 at the upper echelon (P90). Travel positions, especially for pipeline welders, frequently yield substantial financial rewards due to per-diem benefits and tax advantages, which can elevate earnings significantly above local shop pay rates. Nevertheless, prevailing salary estimates, adjusted according to regional cost dynamics, indicate that local economic factors shape compensation levels for welders, making Auburn an intriguing context for both seasoned professionals and aspiring entry-level welders.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,541 | $20.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,321 | $23.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,737 | $26.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,366 | $31.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,043 | $38.00 |
Median Salary Position
0.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, NY, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,502 (2026 est.). At $55,737, the local median is 0.28% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Welder Pay Compares
Auburn median: $55,737/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $58,670 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -0.28% less |
Welders in Auburn, NY earn a median of $55,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.28% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.00% below the New York state average of $58,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,737 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,091 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,370
2025 BLS Actual
$53,598
2026 Current Est.
$55,737
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,065 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,370 (2019) to $53,598 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,590 (36.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $42,541 – $49,321 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,321 – $55,737 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,737 – $65,366 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,366 – $79,043 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Auburn
The local job market remains comparatively small, with only four welders reported as employed in the area, a number that highlights Auburn's unique welding landscape. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 115.9, welders may find purchasing power constrained compared to other regions. In this context, employers in specialized sectors such as structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline projects typically offer the highest salaries. Factors contributing to pay variance include certification levels—6G pipe welding and ASME IX certification command a premium—and the type of work performed. For welders in Auburn, pursuing specialized fields, obtaining advanced certifications, and considering traveling positions can significantly enhance earnings potential. By strategically capitalizing on these elements, individuals can maximize their welder pay in Auburn, NY.
More salary data for Auburn, NY:
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 $53,598 for weldersin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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