Welder Salary in Cranston, RI: $54,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Cranston, RI earns a median $54,947/year (≈ $26.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Cranston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $54,674 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Cranston, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $54,947, which is slightly below the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders varies significantly, with lower earners making approximately $41,461 and top earners reaching up to $81,274. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight the diverse earning potential within the field. For those considering a career in welding in Cranston, it's vital to remember the investment often required for equipment, especially for rig welders. Owning welding equipment can lead to higher pay rates, but the overhead costs can be substantial, affecting take-home earnings.
About the Cranston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,461 | $19.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,431 | $23.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,947 | $26.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,036 | $31.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,274 | $39.08 |
Median Salary Position
1.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cranston
In Cranston, RI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,813 (2026 est.). At $54,947, the local median is 1.7% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cranston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cranston Welder Pay Compares
Cranston median: $54,947/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cranston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $56,183 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -1.70% less |
Welders in Cranston, RI earn a median of $54,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cranston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cranston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,947 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,674 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,770
2025 BLS Actual
$52,839
2026 Current Est.
$54,947
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,441 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,734 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,051 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cranston metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,770 (2019) to $52,839 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,370 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cranston 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) | $41,461 – $48,431 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,431 – $54,947 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,947 – $66,036 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,036 – $81,274 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Cranston
With only 12 welders currently employed in Cranston, the job market is relatively limited. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of welders' earnings. Among the local employers, structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline welding companies likely offer the most competitive pay rates. Factors contributing to the disparity between lower and higher wages include certification levels, with 6G pipe welders commanding premiums for specialized skills, particularly in high-stakes environments like nuclear power maintenance or underwater welding. To maximize earning potential, welders in Cranston should focus on acquiring advanced certifications, pursue opportunities in specialized fields, and consider taking traveling positions that often provide significant per-diem benefits. With a growing demand for skilled welders projected through 2027, strategic choices can enhance career prospects and financial rewards in this local market.
More salary data for Cranston, 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 $52,839 for weldersin the Cranston 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 Cranston 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