Trades & Labor New Jersey (NJ) Rank #7 of 50

Welder Salary in New Jersey

The median welder salary in New Jersey is $54,061 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$54,061
vs National
+$7,051
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Welder Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for welder compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for welders seeking high pay. At $54,061 per year, welders in New Jersey earn $7,051 more than the national median of $47,010.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $54,061 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $47,010.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $38,180, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,420 — a $43,240 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $60,173.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level welder earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
+$10,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $38,180
25th Percentile $44,620
Median (50th) $54,061
75th Percentile $66,930
90th Percentile $81,420

Welder Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for welders in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in New Jersey

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Welder make in New Jersey? ▼
The median welder salary in New Jersey is $54,061 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $38,180 (10th percentile) to $81,420 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,061, a welder in New Jersey earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for welders? ▼
New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $36,800, while senior professionals earn $78,200.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. New Jersey's median of $54,061 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($57,352) and Washington ($55,942).
What is the entry-level welder salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level welder in New Jersey earns approximately $36,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,200.
What city in New Jersey pays welders the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for welders, with a median salary of $60,173. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.