Trades & Labor Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #25 of 50

Welder Salary in Pennsylvania

The median welder salary in Pennsylvania is $45,130 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$45,130
vs National
$-1,880
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Welder Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #25 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for welder pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $45,130 per year, welders in Pennsylvania earn $1,880 less than the national median of $47,010.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning welder salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $31,872, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,968 — a $36,096 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $47,950.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level welder earns around $30,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,280 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania 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

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

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

Welder Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for welders in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Welder make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median welder salary in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,130, a welder in Pennsylvania earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for welders? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #25 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $30,720, while senior professionals earn $65,280.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Pennsylvania's median of $45,130 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($45,600) and Louisiana ($45,130).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level welder in Pennsylvania earns approximately $30,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,280.
What city in Pennsylvania pays welders the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for welders, with a median salary of $47,950. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.