Welder Salary in Arecibo, PR: $30,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Arecibo, PR earns a median $30,552/year (≈ $14.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Puerto Rico's price level (25% below national, BEA RPP 75.0), that paycheck buys what $40,736 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Arecibo, PR, the welder salary is projected to reach a median annual income of $30,552 in 2026, a significant gap compared to the national median of $55,895. Salary ranges for welders in the area vary from $26,892 at the 10th percentile to $42,636 at the 90th percentile. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the local market's unique dynamics. Arecibo's job market features various welding opportunities, but the earnings potential can differ greatly depending on the sector, making it essential for welders to consider both their pathways and investment in skills and equipment when evaluating their financial future.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,892 | $12.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,552 | $14.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $30,552 | $14.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31,478 | $15.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42,636 | $20.50 |
Median Salary Position
45.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arecibo
In Arecibo, PR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,744 (2026 est.). At $30,552, the local median is 45.34% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arecibo: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Arecibo Welder Pay Compares
Arecibo median: $30,552/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arecibo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $31,432 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -45.34% less |
Welders in Arecibo, PR earn a median of $30,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.34% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.80% below the Puerto Rico state average of $31,432.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,100
2025 BLS Actual
$29,380
2026 Current Est.
$30,552
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Arecibo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,771 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arecibo metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 27.2% from $23,100 (2019) to $29,380 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $31,771 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,671 (37.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arecibo 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) | $26,892 – $30,552 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,552 – $30,552 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $30,552 – $31,478 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $31,478 – $42,636 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Arecibo
The local job market for welders in Arecibo employs about 150 individuals, creating opportunities for those looking to enter this field. The cost of living in Puerto Rico plays a critical role in determining real earnings power, as welding pays may seem lower than the national average. However, welders specializing in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline work, or aerospace could potentially earn more, particularly if certified in higher-demand areas such as 6G pipe welding or nuclear qualifications. Those who own their welding rig can navigate the market strategically, where an initial investment of $80k to $150k can lead to higher pay through traveling work or lucrative contracts with specialty projects. To maximize their pay, aspiring welders should focus on obtaining certifications recognized in the industry while considering the potential for per-diem pay in traveling positions, which can add significantly to their overall income.
More salary data for Arecibo, PR:
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 $29,380 for weldersin the Arecibo 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