Welder Salary in Tigard, OR: $57,673 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Tigard, OR earns a median $57,673/year (≈ $27.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Tigard's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $56,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tigard, Oregon, the welder salary dynamics reveal a competitive landscape, with pipe welders and those specialized in structural welding attracting the highest pay grades. The projected median annual salary stands at $57,673, exceeding the national figure of $55,895 by a slight margin. Local estimates indicate a substantial pay range for welders, with entry-level positions earning approximately $42,905 while seasoned professionals can see salaries soaring to $82,500. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, illustrate the vibrant demand for welding skills in the area, particularly in industries requiring advanced certifications like 6G pipe welding. The presence of structural and pipeline projects in Tigard contributes to a robust job market for welders.
About the Tigard Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,905 | $20.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,419 | $24.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,673 | $27.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,584 | $32.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,500 | $39.66 |
Median Salary Position
3.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tigard
In Tigard, OR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,595 (2026 est.). At $57,673, the local median is 3.18% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tigard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tigard Welder Pay Compares
Tigard median: $57,673/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tigard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,334 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +3.18% more |
Welders in Tigard, OR earn a median of $57,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.18% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.80% below the Oregon state average of $59,334.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tigard has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tigard, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,673 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,212 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,842
2025 BLS Actual
$55,460
2026 Current Est.
$57,673
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Tigard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,842 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,596 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,673 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,974 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tigard metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $43,842 (2019) to $55,460 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,974 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,132 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tigard 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) | $42,905 – $50,419 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,419 – $57,673 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,673 – $67,584 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,584 – $82,500 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Tigard
Currently, only nine welders are employed in Tigard, reflecting both the unique demand for welding expertise and the potential challenges of the local labor market. With a cost-of-living index of 102.6, workers bear additional financial pressure, and understanding how this affects purchasing power is crucial for those considering a career in welding. Employers such as structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline contractors tend to offer the highest wages in the area, driven by the complexity of the work and required qualifications. To maximize income, welders should focus on acquiring specialized certifications—such as those for underwater welding or nuclear standards, which can lead to significantly higher pay rates. Additionally, pursuing opportunities in regions with pipeline booms or securing traveling positions can provide added financial benefits such as per-diem allowances, further enhancing take-home earnings for welders willing to work away from Tigard.
More salary data for Tigard, 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 $55,460 for weldersin the Tigard 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 Tigard 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