Welder Salary in Brentwood, TN: $48,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Brentwood, TN earns a median $48,470/year (≈ $23.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Brentwood's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $52,800 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Brentwood, TN are projected to earn a median annual salary of $48,470, which is notably lower than the national median of $55,895. The salary range varies considerably, with the lowest earning around $38,216 and the top earners reaching up to $68,549. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and are adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences. While local shop pay may not be as lucrative as traveling pipe welder economics—which often includes per-diem and tax advantages—Brentwood's welding job market does provide opportunities that can lead to substantial earnings depending on skills and specialties.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,216 | $18.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,677 | $20.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,470 | $23.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,618 | $27.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,549 | $32.95 |
Median Salary Position
13.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
In Brentwood, TN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,333 (2026 est.). At $48,470, the local median is 13.28% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brentwood Welder Pay Compares
Brentwood median: $48,470/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $50,228 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -13.28% less |
Welders in Brentwood, TN earn a median of $48,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.28% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.50% below the Tennessee state average of $50,228.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brentwood has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brentwood, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $48,470 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,800 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,846
2025 BLS Actual
$46,610
2026 Current Est.
$48,470
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,846 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,765 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,225 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,439 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,504 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,404 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brentwood metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $36,846 (2019) to $46,610 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,404 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,558 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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) | $38,216 – $42,677 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,677 – $48,470 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,470 – $56,618 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,618 – $68,549 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Brentwood
Currently, Brentwood hosts about seven welders in the area, and with a cost-of-living index of 91.8, the purchasing power remains relatively favorable compared to other regions. The highest-paying positions are typically found in oil and gas pipeline welding, particularly for traveling welders who can leverage per-diem benefits. The wage disparity largely results from varying certification levels, specialization in high-demand fields, and the cyclical nature of pipeline work. Those with advanced certifications such as 6G pipe and ASME IX often command higher salaries. To maximize earnings in Brentwood, aspiring welders should consider gaining experience with specialized skills or pursuing mobile welding opportunities within the construction and manufacturing sectors, where demand remains consistent.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
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 $46,610 for weldersin the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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