Welder Salary in Vermont: $63,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Vermont's 9 metropolitan areas, the average median welder pay sits at $63,685/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 51-4121. Because Vermont sits at BEA RPP 103.5 (4% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $61,531 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: South Burlington ($63,782), Burlington ($63,460), Bennington ($53,308).
Vermont's welder salaries in 2026 are projected to be significantly higher than the national average, with an employment-weighted average median salary of $63,685 compared to the national median of $55,895, translating into a difference of +13.9%. The highest-paying city in the state is South Burlington, where welders can expect to earn $66,327, while Montpelier offers the lowest average at $53,281. This salary gap may be attributed to factors such as cost of living differences, local demand for skilled welders, and the concentration of industries like manufacturing and construction, which are more prevalent in urban areas. Vermont has specific state licensing requirements for welders, which can influence both the job market and salary levels. The welding profession is expected to experience a 3.99% annual growth rate, indicating a steady demand for skilled welders across the state. Factors contributing to this demand include ongoing infrastructure projects and an aging workforce driving the need for replacements. The top five cities for welding positions—with Burlington at $65,992, Bennington at $55,435, Brattleboro at $54,808, and Essex Junction at $54,690—reflect a diverse job market with varying opportunities based on local economic conditions. Overall, the welding job market in Vermont appears strong, making it a viable option for those considering a career in this field.
Vermont Welder Salary Range
Overall salary range in Vermont: $40,711 (lowest entry-level) to $92,230 (highest top earner)
Vermont vs National Average
Vermont welders earn 13.94% more than the national median (+$7,790/year difference).
Vermont Welder Salary Distribution (2026)
Welder salaries in Vermont range from $48,506 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $79,978 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $63,685. The Vermont median is $7,790 above the US national median of $55,895. The average hourly rate is $30.62/hr. Approximately 180 welders are employed across 9 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,110
2025 BLS Actual
$61,241
2026 Current Est.
$63,685
2019–2027 Growth
+57.3%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Vermont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,226 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vermont metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 45.4% from $42,110 (2019) to $61,241 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,226 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,116 (57.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermont 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Vermont
Lowest Paying Cities in Vermont
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Montpelier | $53,281 |
| Colchester | $53,551 |
| Rutland | $53,612 |
| Barre | $54,617 |
| Essex Junction | $54,690 |
Best Value Cities for Welders in Vermont
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Vermont cities offer the most purchasing power for welders.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $65,992 | 100.949 | $65,372 |
| South Burlington | $66,327 | 103.5 | $64,084 |
| Bennington | $55,435 | 103.5 | $53,560 |
| Brattleboro | $54,808 | 103.5 | $52,955 |
| Essex Junction | $54,690 | 103.5 | $52,841 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Vermont
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $48,506 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $63,685 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $79,978 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Vermont metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 9 Cities in Vermont
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Burlington | $66,327 |
| 2 | Burlington | $65,992 |
| 3 | Bennington | $55,435 |
| 4 | Brattleboro | $54,808 |
| 5 | Essex Junction | $54,690 |
| 6 | Barre | $54,617 |
| 7 | Rutland | $53,612 |
| 8 | Colchester | $53,551 |
| 9 | Montpelier | $53,281 |
More Vermont Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced welders.
Explore More Welder Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Vermont in 2026?
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How does Vermont welder pay compare to the national average?
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Which Vermont city offers the best value for welders?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 welder compensation across Vermont. State averages are employment-weighted across 9 metro areas — larger metro areas with more welderscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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