Welder Salary in Mentor, OH: $49,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Mentor, OH earns a median $49,620/year (≈ $23.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Mentor's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $54,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mentor, Ohio, the 2026 median salary for welders is projected to be $49,620, reflecting the local economy's dynamics compared to the national average of $55,895. The salary range for welders in this area shows considerable variation, with the lower end at $38,632 and the higher end reaching up to $71,292. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS estimates, projected to reflect the 2026 job market conditions, taking into account local cost adjustments. While local shop pay provides a steady income, traveling pipe welders can often command higher wages through per-diem allowances and tax advantages, which can significantly influence overall earnings. This unique mix of factors shapes the overall compensation picture for welders in Mentor, indicating a robust yet competitive market.
About the Mentor Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,632 | $18.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,469 | $21.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,620 | $23.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,823 | $26.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,292 | $34.28 |
Median Salary Position
11.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mentor
In Mentor, OH, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,660 (2026 est.). At $49,620, the local median is 11.23% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mentor: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mentor Welder Pay Compares
Mentor median: $49,620/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mentor Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $51,741 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -11.23% less |
Welders in Mentor, OH earn a median of $49,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.23% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.10% below the Ohio state average of $51,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mentor 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.
Mentor, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $49,620 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,720
2025 BLS Actual
$47,716
2026 Current Est.
$49,620
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Mentor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,733 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,446 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,600 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mentor metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $37,720 (2019) to $47,716 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,600 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,880 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mentor 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) | $38,632 – $44,469 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,469 – $49,620 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,620 – $55,823 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,823 – $71,292 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Mentor
With only nine welders currently employed in Mentor, job availability is relatively limited, which adds a layer of competition for positions in the area. The cost of living index stands at 90.7, making it more affordable than the national average, but this still impacts the real purchasing power of earnings here. Employers that historically offer higher pay include those in advanced sectors such as aerospace and defense, oil and gas pipeline work, and nuclear power maintenance, which often require specialized certifications. Factors that influence the disparity in pay levels include the level of certification—such as 6G pipe or ASME IX—along with the type of work, specialty skills, and whether welders operate as independent contractors versus employees in a fixed location. For welders aiming to maximize their potential earnings in the Mentor market, pursuing advanced certifications, seeking out high-demand specialties, and considering travel opportunities may facilitate higher pay and more stable employment options.
More salary data for Mentor, 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 $47,716 for weldersin the Mentor 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 Mentor 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