Trades & Labor Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Welder Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median welder salary in Dover, DE is $45,130 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.9% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$45,130
vs State Avg
$-2,350
vs National
$-1,880
Cost of Living
96%

Welder Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median welder salary of $45,130, which is $2,350 below the Delaware state average of $47,480. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for welders in Dover spans from $31,872 at the 10th percentile to $67,968 at the 90th percentile — a $36,096 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,720, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,280. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level welder earns around $30,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,080
$-1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,280
$-2,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $31,872
25th Percentile $37,248
Median (50th) $45,130
75th Percentile $55,872
90th Percentile $67,968

Welder Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$49,361
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$47,950
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$46,540
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$46,070
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Welder in Dover

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Dover and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Dover

Browse open welder positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Dover

How much does a Welder make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median welder salary in Dover, Delaware is $45,130 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $31,872 (10th percentile) to $67,968 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,130, a welder in Dover earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for welder pay? ▼
Dover's median welder salary of $45,130 is 4.9% below the Delaware state average of $47,480. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $45,130 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Dover? ▼
Most welder positions in Dover require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.