Trades & Labor Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Welder Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median welder salary in Albuquerque, NM is $44,660 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$44,660
vs State Avg
+$941
vs National
$-2,350
Cost of Living
95%

Welder Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median welder salary of $44,660, which is $941 above the New Mexico state average of $43,719. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $31,540 at the 10th percentile to $67,260 at the 90th percentile — a $35,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,600. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level welder earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,600
$-3,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $31,540
25th Percentile $36,860
Median (50th) $44,660
75th Percentile $55,290
90th Percentile $67,260

Welder Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Welder in Albuquerque

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico 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 Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Albuquerque

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Welder make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median welder salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $44,660 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $31,540 (10th percentile) to $67,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,660, a welder in Albuquerque earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for welder pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median welder salary of $44,660 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $43,719. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $44,660 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Albuquerque? ▼
Most welder positions in Albuquerque 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.