Welder Salary in Mayaguez, PR: $31,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Mayaguez, PR earns a median $31,436/year (≈ $15.12/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 $41,915 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Welder salaries in Mayaguez, PR, reflect the local economic conditions and the skills of the workforce. In 2026, welders can expect to earn a median annual salary of $31,436, significantly lower than the national median of $55,895. The salaries of welders in this region typically range from $28,119 at the lowest decile to $39,256 for those at the upper end. This data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, projected to 2026. The local job market, which employs around 70 welders, presents varied opportunities across sectors; those who invest in the necessary equipment and certifications may find better financial prospects.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,119 | $13.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28,888 | $13.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $31,436 | $15.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36,646 | $17.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39,256 | $18.87 |
Median Salary Position
43.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mayaguez
In Mayaguez, PR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,137 (2026 est.). At $31,436, the local median is 43.76% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mayaguez: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mayaguez Welder Pay Compares
Mayaguez median: $31,436/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mayaguez Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $55,895 | -43.76% less |
Welders in Mayaguez, PR earn a median of $31,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 43.76% lower than the national median of $55,895.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,500
2025 BLS Actual
$30,230
2026 Current Est.
$31,436
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Mayaguez (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,737 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,690 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mayaguez metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 40.6% from $21,500 (2019) to $30,230 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $32,690 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,190 (52.05%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mayaguez 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) | $28,119 – $28,888 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $28,888 – $31,436 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $31,436 – $36,646 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $36,646 – $39,256 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Mayaguez
The local economic landscape influences real earnings potential significantly for welders in Mayaguez. Employers in structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding tend to offer competitive rates, while positions in areas such as aerospace and nuclear welding can lead to higher pay standards. Factors contributing to the salary spread include the level of certification—6G pipe welders often command higher wages, particularly in traveling roles, where per-diem rates can add substantially to overall earnings. The investment in welding equipment, especially for self-employed mobile welders, ranges from $80,000 to $150,000, directly impacting income. For those looking to maximize their welder pay in Mayaguez, acquiring advanced certifications and seeking opportunities with traveling or specialized welding jobs could be key strategies to enhance financial outcomes in this evolving market.
More salary data for Mayaguez, 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 $30,230 for weldersin the Mayaguez 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, 5-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