Welder Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $49,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $49,300/year (≈ $23.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $53,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For welders in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, projected earnings for 2026 reflect a median annual salary of $49,300, which is notably lower than the national median of $55,895. The salary range is extensive, spanning from $35,982 at the 10th percentile to $71,353 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying pay based on skill level and specialization. Market conditions are influenced by local demand for various welding types, with pipe welding positions often commanding higher pay compared to structural and production welding. As Oak Ridge continues to host industries reliant on specialized welding skills, these figures demonstrate a landscape where experienced professionals can find opportunities, especially in high-demand sectors.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,982 | $17.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,525 | $20.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,300 | $23.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,731 | $27.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,353 | $34.31 |
Median Salary Position
11.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,371 (2026 est.). At $49,300, the local median is 11.8% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Welder Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $49,300/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $50,254 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -11.80% less |
Welders in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $49,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.80% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $50,254.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge 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.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $49,300 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,704 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,477
2025 BLS Actual
$47,408
2026 Current Est.
$49,300
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,477 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,976 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,463 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,166 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,267 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $37,477 (2019) to $47,408 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,267 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,790 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $35,982 – $42,525 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,525 – $49,300 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,300 – $56,731 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,731 – $71,353 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Oak Ridge
Currently, only six welders are employed in the Oak Ridge area, which implies a tight-knit job market characterized by a cost-of-living index of 91.8. This figure suggests that welders in Oak Ridge may enjoy a relatively comfortable lifestyle despite slightly lower salaries compared to national averages. Employers in sectors such as nuclear power maintenance and aerospace welding are likely the main sources of higher earnings, given the specialized certifications required for these fields. High-paying roles often require credentials such as the 6G pipe certification, which additionally can command premium rates when engaging in traveling work. For welders looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in specialty areas like nuclear or underwater welding can prove advantageous, especially as the industry faces a projected shortage of skilled workers in the coming years.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, 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 $47,408 for weldersin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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