Welder Salary in Providence, RI: $54,907 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Providence, RI earns a median $54,907/year (≈ $26.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Providence's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.8), that paycheck buys what $53,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Providence, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $54,907, reflecting a slight decline of 1.77% compared to the national median of $55,895. The salary range extends from a lower threshold of $37,000 to a robust $84,232 for the top earners in the field. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys. In the Providence market, traveling pipe welders who benefit from per-diem compensation and tax advantages can see substantial gains, contrasting with typical shop pay which is generally lower. Understanding this dynamic is key for professionals looking to navigate their career options in the local welding sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,598 | $25.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,907 | $26.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,379 | $34.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,232 | $40.49 |
Median Salary Position
1.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Providence
In Providence, RI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,232 (2026 est.). At $54,907, the local median is 1.77% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Providence Welder Pay Compares
Providence median: $54,907/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $56,199 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -1.77% less |
Welders in Providence, RI earn a median of $54,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.77% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,199.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Providence has a cost of living 1.77% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 101.773 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,907 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,950 — a 1.74% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,830
2025 BLS Actual
$52,800
2026 Current Est.
$54,907
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,907 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,097 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Providence metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 8.1% from $48,830 (2019) to $52,800 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,097 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,267 (16.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence 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) | $37,000 – $52,598 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,598 – $54,907 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,907 – $71,379 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,379 – $84,232 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Providence
Analyzing the local job market reveals that approximately 2,490 welders are employed in Providence, indicating a steady demand for welding talent within the region. However, the cost of living index is slightly above average at 101.773, which can affect take-home purchasing power for welders. Among the highest-paying employers are those in oil and gas pipeline welding and shipyards, which often offer lucrative contracts. The disparity in compensation stems from various factors including certification levels and specialty skills, with those certified in 6G pipe welding or holding advanced qualifications like NQA-1 commanding the highest salaries. To maximize earnings in Providence, welders should consider pursuing specialized training and certifications, seeking traveling positions that offer additional financial incentives, and networking within industries like aerospace and nuclear power that are known for their premium pay structures.
More salary data for Providence, 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 $52,800 for weldersin the Providence 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