Senior Welder Salary in Burlington, IA: $77,858 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of welders working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,858/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 51-4121. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $86,126 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Strong earning potential exists for senior welders in Burlington, Iowa, with the top 10% of professionals in this sector projected to pull in approximately $77,858 annually by 2026. This figure places them ahead of the national average for top earners, which stands at $55,895, showcasing the value placed on experience and skill in this region. With a median annual salary of $57,179, the gap between typical earnings and the potential for seasoned welders illustrates the significant financial rewards linked to advanced certifications, specialized skills, and years spent refining their craft. Achieving this top-tier salary requires not just technical proficiency, but often a dedication to continuing education, such as obtaining AWS certifications or transitioning into roles such as rig welder or traveling pipe welder, where earnings can further increase based on the nature of the work and the demand for specialized skills.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced welders at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $65,438 and $77,858 per year (2026 est.). This $33,820 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $57,179 sits 2.3% above the US median.
Top WLD Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,179 | $55,895 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,438 | $65,524 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,858 | $80,623 |
In Burlington, experienced welders (P90) earn 36.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Welder Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA welders with additional specialty certifications within the welding field earn significantly above the $57,179 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Welders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the welding field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,438–$77,858 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced welders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured welders in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Welders in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Welder Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Welder
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Welder
5-10 yearsWelder Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #11 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner welder salary (90th percentile: $77,858).
Top 10% welder compensation in Burlington ($77,858) is 5.85% above the Iowa average P90 ($73,554).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,037
2025 BLS Actual
$74,871
2026 Current Est.
$77,858
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,477 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,467 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,801 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,871 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,858 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,965 | Projected |
Top-earning welders (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 20.7% from $62,037 in 2019 to $74,871 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $80,965 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Welder Earnings in Burlington
In Burlington, the specialized nature of welding can directly influence compensation at the senior level. Experienced welders focusing on high-demand areas such as pipe welding, particularly those skilled in TIG root and flux core fill techniques, can command higher pay due to the critical nature of their work in pipeline and refinery settings. Other lucrative specializations include structural welding for AWS D1.1 certifications, aerospace TIG welding, and skilled underwater welding, which can see top earnings soar. Employers vary across sectors; for instance, fabrication shops, oil and gas pipeline contractors, and aerospace manufacturers each provide distinct pay scales influenced by industry demand and project complexity. Opportunities for advancement are plentiful, with paths leading from production welder roles to positions such as certified welding inspector or shop foreman. Senior welders who possess additional credentials or niche skill sets not only enhance their immediate earning potential but can also secure non-salary benefits, such as per-diem allowances for travel work, further boosting their overall compensation in the competitive Iowa job market.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced welders make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher welder pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost welder salary in Burlington?
Can experienced welders make six figures in Burlington?
How much does welder salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $74,871 for welders in the Burlington metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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