Senior Welder Salary in Plymouth, MA: $87,903 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of welders working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,903/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 51-4121. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,017 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A promising future awaits seasoned welders in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as the expected median annual salary for 2026 is projected at $61,060, with top earners in the 90th percentile potentially reaching $87,903. This represents a significant opportunity, especially as experienced welders in Plymouth are earning approximately 9.24% more than the national median of $55,895. The wage differential between the median salary and those at the upper end of the spectrum indicates a robust experience premium, motivating welders not only to hone their craft but also to pursue advanced certifications and specializations. Achieving this level of pay typically requires a combination of extensive field experience, technical skill mastery, and, often, leadership capabilities that can set welders apart in a competitive marketplace.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced welders at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $71,746 and $87,903 per year (2026 est.). This $43,885 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $61,060 sits 9.24% above the US median.
Top WLD Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,060 | $55,895 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,746 | $65,524 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,903 | $80,623 |
In Plymouth, experienced welders (P90) earn 43.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Welder Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA welders with additional specialty certifications within the welding field earn significantly above the $61,060 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Welders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the welding field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,746–$87,903 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced welders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured welders in Plymouth 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 Massachusetts 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 Plymouth
Clinical Welder
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Welder
5-10 yearsWelder Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #10 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner welder salary (90th percentile: $87,903).
Top 10% welder compensation in Plymouth ($87,903) is 2.49% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($85,766).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,040
2025 BLS Actual
$84,530
2026 Current Est.
$87,903
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,408 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,957 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,558 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,903 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,410 | Projected |
Top-earning welders (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 20.7% from $70,040 in 2019 to $84,530 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 $91,410 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Strategically, certain specializations can further elevate earnings for senior welders in the area. For instance, pipe welding, particularly for those who are AWS-certified in 6G positions, sees a premium due to high demand in industries like oil and gas and petrochemicals, where complex jobs often pay the highest rates. Additionally, underwater welding and nuclear welding roles are among the most lucrative, with senior professionals capable of earning beyond typical salary parameters. Senior welders should consider adjusting their career trajectory toward management roles or specializing further in areas like rig welding, where ownership of equipment can yield substantial returns. Moreover, advanced certifications such as AWS by process and position, along with credentials like CWI, can also significantly enhance earning potential in Plymouth, MA. The dynamics at play—ranging from employer type to certification levels—create an environment ripe for growth and high compensation for those who invest in their professional development.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced welders make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher welder pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost welder salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced welders make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does welder salary increase over time in Plymouth?
Related Pages
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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 $84,530 for welders in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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