Welder Salary in Medford, OR: $52,276 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Medford, OR earns a median $52,276/year (≈ $25.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Medford's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.4), that paycheck buys what $51,537 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.9% below the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Medford, OR, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,276, reflecting the regional employment landscape's dynamics. The salary range spans from $47,482 at the 10th percentile to $68,727 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a diverse spectrum of compensation levels among local professionals. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights that while Medford's welder pay is somewhat lower compared to the national median of $55,895, the local job market can be competitive due to factors such as certification levels and the type of work—especially in fields like oil and gas pipeline welding or structural fabrication. Traveling welders, in particular, may find that per-diem pay can significantly enhance their earnings, offering a complete picture of what local welders could make.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,482 | $22.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,771 | $23.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,276 | $25.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,042 | $29.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,727 | $33.04 |
Median Salary Position
6.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, OR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,245 (2026 est.). At $52,276, the local median is 6.47% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Medford: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Medford Welder Pay Compares
Medford median: $52,276/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,337 | -11.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -6.47% less |
Welders in Medford, OR earn a median of $52,276 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.47% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 11.90% below the Oregon state average of $59,337.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 1.43% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, OR has a cost-of-living index of 101.433 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,276 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,537 — a 1.41% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,730
2025 BLS Actual
$50,270
2026 Current Est.
$52,276
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,276 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,362 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,730 (2019) to $50,270 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,362 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,632 (36.83%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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) | $47,482 – $48,771 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,771 – $52,276 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,276 – $61,042 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,042 – $68,727 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Medford
Looking into the job market, Medford currently employs around 200 welders, which contributes to a tight-knit professional community in the region. A cost-of-living index of 101.433 indicates that while expenses are slightly above the national average, they still allow for a feasible take-home pay for welders. Among employers, structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline operations are often at the top of the pay scale. The wide spread in compensation can be attributed to various factors, including certification level—those with 6G pipe certification can command higher wages—as well as specialty areas such as nuclear or underwater welding. Engaging in traveling work can also add substantial financial benefits, with some welders even investing in their own rigs, which create potential for higher income. For those looking to maximize their welder pay in Medford, focusing on specialization, gaining multiple certifications, and considering travel opportunities are effective strategies to enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Medford, 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 $50,270 for weldersin the Medford 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