Welder Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $62,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Port Arthur, TX earns a median $62,963/year (≈ $30.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Port Arthur's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $65,586 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 24.6% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Port Arthur, Texas, welders can expect a competitive median annual salary of $62,963 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national average. This salary reflects a broad range of earnings, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $45,986 and the highest 90% bringing in about $89,091. Such figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. For aspiring welders, the pathway to higher earnings often involves investing in specialized equipment and certifications, particularly for roles in rig welding, where the balance of hourly rates and equipment costs plays a crucial part in overall income. Moreover, the welding job market in Port Arthur is influenced by the local industrial landscape, highlighting opportunities tied to the region's oil and gas sectors.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,986 | $22.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,353 | $26.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,963 | $30.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,052 | $35.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,091 | $42.83 |
Median Salary Position
12.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Port Arthur
In Port Arthur, TX, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,105 (2026 est.). At $62,963, the local median is 12.65% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Port Arthur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Port Arthur Welder Pay Compares
Port Arthur median: $62,963/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Port Arthur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $50,532 | +24.60% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +12.65% more |
Welders in Port Arthur, TX earn a median of $62,963 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.65% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 24.60% above the Texas state average of $50,532.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Port Arthur has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Port Arthur, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $62,963 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,586 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,863
2025 BLS Actual
$60,547
2026 Current Est.
$62,963
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Port Arthur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,863 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,955 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,552 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,129 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,547 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,475 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Port Arthur metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $47,863 (2019) to $60,547 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,475 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,612 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Arthur 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) | $45,986 – $54,353 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,353 – $62,963 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,963 – $73,052 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,052 – $89,091 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Port Arthur
Within the local job market, only 12 welders are currently employed in Port Arthur, indicating a tight professional community where competition may drive skilled labor demand. The area's cost of living index stands at 96, which is below the national average, suggesting that welders can enjoy a relatively higher purchasing power despite their salaries. Industries such as petrochemical welding, particularly for refinery turnarounds, and mobile welding services often offer the most lucrative payrolls. The wage variation can largely be attributed to credentialing—welders with advanced certifications like 6G pipe or specialized skills in underwater or nuclear welding command premium rates. Additionally, traveling welders often report higher earnings due to per-diem compensation. To maximize pay, welders in Port Arthur should consider pursuing specialty training, exploring mobile opportunities, and aiming for high-demand sectors to secure their positions in an evolving market.
More salary data for Port Arthur, TX:
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 $60,547 for weldersin the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur 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