Welder Salary in Bristol, RI: $53,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Bristol, RI earns a median $53,177/year (≈ $25.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $52,912 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Bristol, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median salary of $53,177 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position within the industry, albeit slightly below the national median of $55,895. Their earnings range significantly, from $39,884 at the 10th percentile to as high as $74,017 at the 90th percentile, offering opportunities for welders depending on their skills and experience. Local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data with adjustments for regional costs, suggest that the welder pay in Bristol is slightly lower than the national average, possibly due to the limited number of positions available, with only five welders employed in the area. Factors like specialty certifications and the local economy also play a role in shaping this job market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,884 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,306 | $22.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,177 | $25.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,918 | $28.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,017 | $35.59 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,133 (2026 est.). At $53,177, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Welder Pay Compares
Bristol median: $53,177/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $56,154 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -4.86% less |
Welders in Bristol, RI earn a median of $53,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,177 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,912 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,424
2025 BLS Actual
$51,137
2026 Current Est.
$53,177
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,424 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,229 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,561 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,278 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,137 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,299 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $40,424 (2019) to $51,137 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,299 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,875 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $39,884 – $46,306 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,306 – $53,177 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,177 – $58,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,918 – $74,017 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Bristol
In Bristol, the cost of living slightly exceeds the national average, with a cost of living index of 100.5, which can impact the purchasing power of welders. Employers such as manufacturing plants and shipyards are among the highest-paying options, with some offering lucrative contracts, especially for certified pipe welders who possess credentials like the 6G pipe certification. Those pursuing opportunities in more demanding sectors such as nuclear maintenance, underwater welding, or pipeline projects may find higher earnings potential. The variance between salaries in Bristol can largely be attributed to levels of certification and specialization, alongside the longevity of assignments, where traveling welders can command additional per-diem allowances. Therefore, welders in Bristol who aim to maximize their pay should consider investing in high-value certifications and exploring mobile welding opportunities, which can lead to more significant financial returns.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $51,137 for weldersin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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