Welder Salary in Albany, OR: $65,295 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Albany, OR earns a median $65,295/year (≈ $31.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Albany's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 102.1), that paycheck buys what $63,952 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% above the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Albany, Oregon, can expect a median annual salary of $65,295, which significantly outpaces the national figure of $55,895. The salary range for welders in the area spans from $48,855 at the 10th percentile to $81,435 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the specialized nature of welding in the region. With a strong local demand for skilled professionals, particularly in pipe welding, Albany presents an environment where those equipped with advanced certifications, such as 6G and ASME IX, can secure lucrative opportunities. Traveling welders who take advantage of per diem benefits often find pay rates that enhance local shop wages, turning the city into a viable base for both local and traveling work.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,855 | $23.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,579 | $24.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,295 | $31.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,370 | $33.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,435 | $39.15 |
Median Salary Position
16.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, OR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,580 (2026 est.). At $65,295, the local median is 16.82% above the national median of $55,895.
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At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be above the median
How Albany Welder Pay Compares
Albany median: $65,295/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,305 | +10.10% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +16.82% more |
Welders in Albany, OR earn a median of $65,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.82% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 10.10% above the Oregon state average of $59,305.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 2.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,295 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,952 — a 2.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,850
2025 BLS Actual
$62,790
2026 Current Est.
$65,295
2019–2027 Growth
+58.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,295 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,901 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 46.5% from $42,850 (2019) to $62,790 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,901 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,051 (58.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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) | $48,855 – $51,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,579 – $65,295 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,295 – $70,370 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,370 – $81,435 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Albany
Albany's job market currently employs around 280 welders, contributing to a competitive landscape where the cost of living index stands at 102.1, indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average. This reality affects the take-home pay of welders, as regional wages need to keep pace with local costs. Employers in Albany that typically offer higher pay across various sectors include structural steel fabrication shops, oil and gas pipeline welding operations, and manufacturers involved in aerospace and defense. Factors influencing wage disparities range from certification levels and specialty work to the opportunities presented by traveling roles that can significantly boost earnings. For welders aiming to maximize their compensation in Albany, focusing on advanced certifications, considering mobile welding opportunities, and exploring union affiliations can help leverage the market potential effectively.
More salary data for Albany, OR:
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 $62,790 for weldersin the Albany 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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