Welder Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $65,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Hillsboro, OR earns a median $65,994/year (≈ $31.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Hillsboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $64,322 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.2% above the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hillsboro, Oregon, the welder salary stands at a lucrative median of $65,994 for 2026, offering a competitive pay landscape compared to the national figure of $55,895. The salary range, stretching from $47,172 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $95,054 (P90) at the high end, reflects the diverse opportunities available in the region. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, set the stage for a vibrant job market favoring skilled professionals. While local fabrication shops offer standard pay, many traveling welders can significantly boost their earnings, capitalizing on per-diem structures and tax advantages unique to their work styles.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,172 | $22.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,397 | $27.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,994 | $31.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,369 | $37.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,054 | $45.70 |
Median Salary Position
18.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hillsboro
In Hillsboro, OR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,882 (2026 est.). At $65,994, the local median is 18.07% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hillsboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hillsboro Welder Pay Compares
Hillsboro median: $65,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hillsboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,347 | +11.20% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +18.07% more |
Welders in Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $65,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.07% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 11.20% above the Oregon state average of $59,347.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hillsboro has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hillsboro, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,994 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,322 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,167
2025 BLS Actual
$63,462
2026 Current Est.
$65,994
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,167 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,175 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,504 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,783 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,627 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hillsboro metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $50,167 (2019) to $63,462 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,627 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,460 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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) | $47,172 – $56,397 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,397 – $65,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,994 – $77,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,369 – $95,054 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Hillsboro
The local welder job market is relatively modest but stable, with 22 welders employed in Hillsboro. A cost of living index of 102.6 signals that while expenses are slightly above the national average, workers must navigate this reality when assessing their take-home pay. Employers in Hillsboro that tend to offer the highest wages include those involved in the oil and gas sector, particularly for pipeline work, as well as specialty shops in aerospace and defense applications. The breadth of earnings can be attributed to various factors, including certification levels, such as the 6G pipe or ASME IX credentials, and the nature of the jobs. For example, traveling specialists can expect a significant pay bump, a compelling incentive compared to local opportunities. Those aiming to maximize earnings in Hillsboro should pursue additional certifications and consider the long-term benefits of diversifying their skill set within booming industries like nuclear or underwater welding.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
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 $63,462 for weldersin the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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