Welder Salary in Pendleton, OR: $56,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Pendleton, OR earns a median $56,987/year (≈ $27.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $55,543 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, Oregon, welder salaries offer an intriguing perspective when juxtaposed with the traveling pipe welder economics prevalent in the industry. With a projected median annual salary of $56,987 for 2026, local wages slightly surpass the national median of $55,895 by 1.95%. The full annual salary range for welders in the area is estimated between $44,123 (10th percentile) and $75,557 (90th percentile), with adjustments reflecting regional cost factors. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and projected to 2026, showcase Pendleton's ability to provide competitive pay, particularly in sectors favoring specialized welding skills. The local job market illustrates opportunities for welders, but the pull of traveling positions often draws locals to sites where per-diem and tax advantages make for considerably higher earnings.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,123 | $21.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,672 | $24.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,987 | $27.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,291 | $31.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,557 | $36.32 |
Median Salary Position
1.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,434 (2026 est.). At $56,987, the local median is 1.95% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pendleton Welder Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $56,987/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,299 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +1.95% more |
Welders in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $56,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $59,299.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,987 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,543 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,320
2025 BLS Actual
$54,800
2026 Current Est.
$56,987
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,053 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,896 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,166 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,260 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $43,320 (2019) to $54,800 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,260 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,940 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $44,123 – $50,672 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,672 – $56,987 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,987 – $65,291 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,291 – $75,557 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Pendleton
Examining the job market reveals a modestly sized workforce, with only five welders employed in the Pendleton area. The local cost of living index stands at 102.6, indicating slightly above-average living expenses that may affect take-home pay. Amongst the various employers, those involved in oil and gas pipeline welding, particularly cross-country work, tend to offer the highest wages, followed by structural steel fabrication shops and companies engaged in petrochemical turnarounds. The disparity in earnings often stems from certification levels and specialty skills. For instance, rig welders with a significant investment in their equipment can enhance their income, while those working in niche areas such as nuclear or underwater welding command premiums. To maximize earning potential in Pendleton, welders should focus on obtaining advanced certifications, particularly in high-demand areas like 6G pipe welding or ASME Section IX standards, as well as considering traveling positions that substantially increase compensation through per-diem structures.
More salary data for Pendleton, 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 $54,800 for weldersin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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