Welder Salary in Lebanon, TN: $49,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Lebanon, TN earns a median $49,304/year (≈ $23.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Lebanon's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $53,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a welder salary in Lebanon, TN, is projected to reach a median of $49,304, which reflects a significant difference when compared to the national average of $55,895. The salary range for welders in this area spans from $36,200 at the 10th percentile to $68,329 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicate competitive entry-level opportunities while also showcasing higher earning potential for experienced welders. With the equipment investment required for rig welding often weighing on a welder's decision-making—especially considering ownership of a welding truck can cost between $80,000 and $150,000—this market prompts welders to balance their hourly rates and long-term profitability carefully.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,200 | $17.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,533 | $20.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,304 | $23.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,740 | $27.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,329 | $32.85 |
Median Salary Position
11.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lebanon
In Lebanon, TN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,129 (2026 est.). At $49,304, the local median is 11.79% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lebanon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lebanon Welder Pay Compares
Lebanon median: $49,304/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lebanon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $50,259 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -11.79% less |
Welders in Lebanon, TN earn a median of $49,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.79% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $50,259.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lebanon 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.
Lebanon, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $49,304 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,480
2025 BLS Actual
$47,412
2026 Current Est.
$49,304
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,979 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,236 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,271 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lebanon metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $37,480 (2019) to $47,412 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,271 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,791 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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) | $36,200 – $42,533 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,533 – $49,304 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,304 – $56,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,740 – $68,329 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Lebanon
The local job market is modest, with only 10 welders currently employed in Lebanon. The cost-of-living index stands at 91.8, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further in the area than in regions with a higher cost of living. Among employers, structural steel fabrication shops and those working with oil and gas pipeline welding usually offer the most competitive compensation. The disparity in pay levels largely stems from the type of welding certifications held—higher qualifications like the 6G pipe welding and ASME IX certifications can provide a substantial pay advantage. For welders in Lebanon, maximizing pay could involve seeking specialized training or certifications and considering the economic cycles in the oil and gas industries, where traveling welders command premium pay alongside per diem benefits. This approach can not only boost their immediate earnings but also ensure more stable long-term career options.
More salary data for Lebanon, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Lebanon, TN in 2026?
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Can welders make $100K in Lebanon?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted welder salary in Lebanon?
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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 $47,412 for weldersin the Lebanon 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 Lebanon 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