Welder Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $40,429 (2026)

Welder Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median welder salary of $40,429, which is $2,820 below the North Carolina state average of $43,249. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $40,429 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Winston-Salem spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $60,888 at the 90th percentile — a $32,336 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level welder earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,520

$-4,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$58,480

$-9,520 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$28,552	$30,544	$33,200
25th Percentile	$33,368	$35,696	$38,800
Median (50th)	$40,429	$43,249	$47,010
75th Percentile	$50,052	$53,544	$58,200
90th Percentile	$60,888	$65,136	$70,800

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$28,552

25th Percentile

$33,368

Median (50th)

$40,429

75th Percentile

$50,052

90th Percentile

$60,888

How to Become a Welder in Winston-Salem

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Welder make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median welder salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $40,429 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $60,888 (90th percentile).

How much does a Welder make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,429, a welder in Winston-Salem earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for welder pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median welder salary of $40,429 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $43,249. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $40,429 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most welder positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Welder Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina