Welder Salary in Newport, RI: $54,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Newport, RI earns a median $54,003/year (≈ $25.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Newport's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $53,734 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a welder salary in Newport, Rhode Island, reaches a median annual figure of $54,003, reflecting local estimates drawn from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. The salary range for welders spans from $40,655 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $76,023 at the 90th percentile (P90), indicating a significant variance based on experience and specialization. Among the different welding sectors, pipe welders, particularly those with 6G certifications, often command higher wages compared to structural and production welders. The competitive nature of Newport’s job market also reveals how vital specialized skills are in determining pay levels, creating a realistic path for those seeking to maximize their earning potential in this coastal city.
About the Newport Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,655 | $19.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,329 | $22.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,003 | $25.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,868 | $30.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,023 | $36.55 |
Median Salary Position
3.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport
In Newport, RI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,368 (2026 est.). At $54,003, the local median is 3.38% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport Welder Pay Compares
Newport median: $54,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $56,195 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -3.38% less |
Welders in Newport, RI earn a median of $54,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,195.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,003 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,734 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,052
2025 BLS Actual
$51,931
2026 Current Est.
$54,003
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,052 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,284 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,158 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,052 (2019) to $51,931 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,158 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,106 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport 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) | $40,655 – $47,329 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,329 – $54,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,003 – $62,868 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,868 – $76,023 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Newport
Looking at the local market, Newport employs approximately six welders, which points to a compact but potentially targeted environment for job seekers. While the cost-of-living index stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, it may affect take-home purchasing power for welders, prompting a look into industries that offer the highest remuneration. Employers in sectors such as aerospace and defense, shipbuilding, and oil and gas pipeline construction are likely to top the pay scale. High-paying positions often require advanced certifications, with specializations in underwater welding or nuclear maintenance yielding substantial premiums. Factors such as the type of work—traveling versus local jobs—and the economic shifts within industries like oil and gas can greatly influence earnings. For welders in Newport, focusing on obtaining and maintaining high-level certifications, alongside strategic career moves into specialized sectors, may provide the best opportunities for growth in pay and professional development.
More salary data for Newport, RI:
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 $51,931 for weldersin the Newport 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 Newport 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