Welder Salary in Lorain, OH: $52,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Lorain, OH earns a median $52,278/year (≈ $25.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Lorain's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $57,638 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the projected median annual welder salary in 2026 is $52,278, which falls slightly below the national median of $55,895, reflecting a difference of about 6.47%. The salary range indicates significant variability, with the lowest earners at approximately $36,442 and high earners reaching up to $73,637. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that pipe welding positions typically attract higher pay compared to structural and production roles. This pay gradient is particularly relevant in understanding Lorain's job market dynamics, as the opportunities that command higher salaries tend to come with specialized skills and certification requirements.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,442 | $17.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,001 | $22.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,278 | $25.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,574 | $29.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,637 | $35.40 |
Median Salary Position
6.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
In Lorain, OH, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,195 (2026 est.). At $52,278, the local median is 6.47% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lorain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lorain Welder Pay Compares
Lorain median: $52,278/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lorain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $51,709 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -6.47% less |
Welders in Lorain, OH earn a median of $52,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.47% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $51,709.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lorain has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lorain, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $52,278 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,638 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,741
2025 BLS Actual
$50,272
2026 Current Est.
$52,278
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,464 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,773 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,364 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lorain metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,741 (2019) to $50,272 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,364 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,623 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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) | $36,442 – $47,001 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,001 – $52,278 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,278 – $60,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,574 – $73,637 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Lorain
The welding job market in Lorain is relatively small, with only 12 welders currently employed in the area. This limited workforce exists in a city where the cost-of-living index is a lower 90.7, offering welders a better purchasing power than many other cities. High earners primarily come from sectors such as oil and gas pipeline welding, structural steel fabrication, and shipyard work, while those in more general manufacturing roles might see lower wages. Factors driving salary variations include certification levels—where 6G pipe certifications often yield higher pay—specialized skills across different welding processes, and the distinction between local versus traveling work. Welders looking to maximize their pay in Lorain should consider acquiring additional certifications, including ASME Section IX for nuclear work and pursuing opportunities in specialized fields that require traveling, which can significantly enhance both base pay and overall compensation through per-diem benefits.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $50,272 for weldersin the Lorain 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 Lorain 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