Welder Salary in Ashland, OR: $56,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Ashland, OR earns a median $56,228/year (≈ $27.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $54,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Oregon, the welder salary in 2026 is projected to be quite favorable, with a median annual income of $56,228, slightly above the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $42,050 and experienced welders earning as much as $78,534. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels, indicate that the market in Ashland could be particularly lucrative for those specializing in high-demand welding processes such as pipe welding or structural welding, where skill levels and certifications can greatly influence pay.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,050 | $20.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,262 | $24.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,228 | $27.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,298 | $29.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,534 | $37.76 |
Median Salary Position
0.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, OR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,484 (2026 est.). At $56,228, the local median is 0.6% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Welder Pay Compares
Ashland median: $56,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,313 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +0.60% more |
Welders in Ashland, OR earn a median of $56,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.60% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $59,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,228 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,803 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,744
2025 BLS Actual
$54,071
2026 Current Est.
$56,228
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,744 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,454 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,291 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,232 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,405 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,071 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,472 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,744 (2019) to $54,071 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,472 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,728 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $42,050 – $51,262 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,262 – $56,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,228 – $62,298 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,298 – $78,534 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Ashland
Currently, Ashland’s job market reflects a modest workforce, with only six welders employed locally. The cost of living index stands at 102.6, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power might be impacted. Among local employers, opportunities may be more lucrative in sectors like oil and gas pipeline welding or aerospace, where specialized skills fetch top dollar. The disparity in pay across different welding positions can relate to certifications like the 6G pipe certification and the complexity of the tasks involved. Welders who seek to maximize their earnings in Ashland should consider pursuing advanced certifications and explore traveling jobs that often include per-diem bonuses, which can significantly enhance overall income while navigating potential fluctuations in the job market.
More salary data for Ashland, 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 $54,071 for weldersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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