Welder Salary in Woonsocket, RI: $54,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Woonsocket, RI earns a median $54,299/year (≈ $26.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Woonsocket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $54,029 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for welders in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is $54,299, reflecting a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $55,895. With a salary range from $42,999 at the 10th percentile to $77,014 at the 90th percentile, these numbers highlight the potential earnings for skilled welders in this local market. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, indicate that while welding jobs in Woonsocket may present competitive pay, they still trail behind the national averages. Factors such as equipment investment and the transition to ownership of a rig welder can significantly impact hourly rates, making it essential for welders to consider their long-term career paths when evaluating the financial opportunities within the region.
About the Woonsocket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,999 | $20.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,155 | $23.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,299 | $26.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,524 | $29.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,014 | $37.03 |
Median Salary Position
2.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woonsocket
In Woonsocket, RI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,015 (2026 est.). At $54,299, the local median is 2.86% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Woonsocket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Woonsocket Welder Pay Compares
Woonsocket median: $54,299/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woonsocket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $56,152 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -2.86% less |
Welders in Woonsocket, RI earn a median of $54,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.86% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,152.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woonsocket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Woonsocket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,299 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,029 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,277
2025 BLS Actual
$52,216
2026 Current Est.
$54,299
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Woonsocket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,277 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,929 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,668 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,183 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,543 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,402 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,466 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woonsocket metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,277 (2019) to $52,216 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,466 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,189 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woonsocket 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) | $42,999 – $49,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,155 – $54,299 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,299 – $61,524 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,524 – $77,014 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Woonsocket
Within Woonsocket, the local job market currently employs nine welders, suggesting a niche yet stable demand for this skillset amidst an average cost-of-living index of 100.5. This slight elevation above the national average may affect take-home purchasing power, so welders should assess their financial plans accordingly. Employers that typically offer higher wages include those involved in oil and gas pipeline welding and specialized sectors such as aerospace and defense. The considerable pay variance is often influenced by certification levels—6G pipe and ASME IX welders being at the top—along with the types of projects undertaken, such as traveling work which can include substantial per-diem compensation. For those looking to maximize their potential earnings in Woonsocket, pursuing specialized certifications and exploring traveling opportunities can significantly enhance their financial stability in the long term.
More salary data for Woonsocket, 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 $52,216 for weldersin the Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket 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