Welder Salary in Portland, OR: $56,882 (2026)

Welder Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median welder salary of $56,882, which is $3,761 above the Oregon state average of $53,121. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $56,882 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,205. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Portland spans from $40,172 at the 10th percentile to $85,668 at the 90th percentile — a $45,496 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,280. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level welder earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,720

+$6,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,080

+$10,080 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$82,280

+$14,280 vs national

Percentile	Portland	OR State	National
10th Percentile	$40,172	$37,516	$33,200
25th Percentile	$46,948	$43,844	$38,800
Median (50th)	$56,882	$53,121	$47,010
75th Percentile	$70,422	$65,766	$58,200
90th Percentile	$85,668	$80,004	$70,800

Percentile

Portland

10th Percentile

$40,172

25th Percentile

$46,948

Median (50th)

$56,882

75th Percentile

$70,422

90th Percentile

$85,668

How to Become a Welder in Portland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Portland

How much does a Welder make in Portland, OR? ▼

The median welder salary in Portland, Oregon is $56,882 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $40,172 (10th percentile) to $85,668 (90th percentile).

How much does a Welder make per hour in Portland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,882, a welder in Portland earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for welder pay? ▼

Portland's median welder salary of $56,882 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $53,121. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼

Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $56,882 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Portland? ▼

Most welder positions in Portland 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 Portland, Oregon