Senior Welder Salary in Burlington, VT: $81,227 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of welders working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,227/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 51-4121. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,463 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Burlington, Vermont offers promising opportunities for experienced welders, particularly those aiming for the top tier of compensation. With a median annual salary projected at $65,992 in 2026, top earners in this region can anticipate salaries reaching $81,227. This is significantly higher than the national average for welders, which is estimated at $55,895 for the same year. The considerable gap between the median and the higher percentile pay reflects an experience premium that rewards seasoned professionals, making it clear that a commitment to advanced skills and certifications is essential to achieving top welder salary in Burlington. To reach these elevated income levels, welders must not only excel in their craft but also consider acquiring specialized certifications and credentials that enhance their value in the job market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced welders at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $71,462 and $81,227 per year (2026 est.). This $31,000 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $65,992 sits 18.06% above the US median.
Top WLD Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,992 | $55,895 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,462 | $65,524 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,227 | $80,623 |
In Burlington, experienced welders (P90) earn 23.09% 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 Vermont
VT welders with additional specialty certifications within the welding field earn significantly above the $65,992 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 $71,462–$81,227 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 Vermont 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 #2 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner welder salary (90th percentile: $81,227).
Top 10% welder compensation in Burlington ($81,227) is 1.56% above the Vermont average P90 ($79,979).
2019 BLS Actual
$56,100
2025 BLS Actual
$78,110
2026 Current Est.
$81,227
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
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 | $56,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,227 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,468 | Projected |
Top-earning welders (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 39.2% from $56,100 in 2019 to $78,110 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 $84,468 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
The specific skill sets that lead to higher compensation for senior welders in Burlington include areas like pipe welding, particularly with TIG root and flux core methods for pipeline and refinery work. Certifications, such as AWS D1.1 for structural welding or NQA-1 for nuclear applications, can lead to substantial pay increases. Compensation varies widely by employer type; for instance, welders within oil and gas, shipyards, or the aerospace sector often experience significantly better salaries due to the advanced nature of the work involved. Pursuing leadership roles is a realistic avenue for enhancement in this field, transitioning from production welder to certified pipe welder or shop foreman. Additionally, advanced credentials, including the CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) title, can provide a pathway to management roles with increased pay. Non-salary benefits also play a vital role in senior compensation, as specialty certifications and positions like rig welder can yield increased financial gains during high-demand cycles, further solidifying Burlington's position as a lucrative market for expert welders.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
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 $78,110 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
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