Welder Salary in Rome, NY: $51,084 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Rome, NY earns a median $51,084/year (≈ $24.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Rome's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $44,076 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, welders in Rome, New York, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $51,084, representing a moderate entry point compared to the broader national average of $55,895. The salary range for welders locally spans from $39,886 at the lower end to $71,787 for those at the high end of the spectrum. Given that these figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, they reflect adjustments for regional price parities, making them a reliable gauge of local economic conditions. While traveling pipe welders often command higher compensation due to the added benefits of per-diems and tax-advantaged structures, welders within local shops in Rome must navigate a competitive environment where pay is often influenced by certification levels and specialization.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,886 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,826 | $22.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,084 | $24.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,475 | $27.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,787 | $34.51 |
Median Salary Position
8.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
In Rome, NY, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,901 (2026 est.). At $51,084, the local median is 8.61% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rome: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rome Welder Pay Compares
Rome median: $51,084/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rome Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $58,650 | -12.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -8.61% less |
Welders in Rome, NY earn a median of $51,084 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.61% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 12.90% below the New York state average of $58,650.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rome has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rome, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,084 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,076 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,833
2025 BLS Actual
$49,124
2026 Current Est.
$51,084
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,387 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,964 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,448 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,991 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,084 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,122 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rome metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,833 (2019) to $49,124 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,122 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,289 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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) | $39,886 – $45,826 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,826 – $51,084 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,084 – $57,475 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,475 – $71,787 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Rome
The local job market for welders in Rome, NY, is relatively small, with only six individuals currently employed in this field. Additionally, the region's cost of living index stands at 115.9, indicating that take-home purchasing power is somewhat diminished compared to the national average. Among local employers, positions in specialized areas like oil and gas pipeline welding or petrochemical refinery turnarounds tend to offer higher pay, while structural welding roles may fall short in comparison. Factors like certification levels—particularly 6G pipe and ASME IX qualifications—significantly impact earnings, as do the trends of traveling versus local work. For welders aiming to maximize their new salary in Rome, pursuing additional certifications, exploring mobile welding opportunities, and entering national markets to engage in high-demand specialties may provide pathways to enhance income potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Rome, 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 $49,124 for weldersin the Rome 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 Rome 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