Trades & Labor Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Welder Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median welder salary in Philadelphia, PA is $47,950 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$47,950
vs State Avg
+$2,820
vs National
+$940
Cost of Living
102%

Welder Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median welder salary of $47,950, which is $2,820 above the Pennsylvania state average of $45,130. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $33,864 at the 10th percentile to $72,216 at the 90th percentile — a $38,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,640, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,360. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level welder earns around $32,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,640
+$640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,360
+$1,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $33,864
25th Percentile $39,576
Median (50th) $47,950
75th Percentile $59,364
90th Percentile $72,216

Welder Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$44,189
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$43,719
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$41,369
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$39,488
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Welder in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Welder Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open welder positions in Philadelphia, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Welder make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median welder salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $47,950 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $33,864 (10th percentile) to $72,216 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,950, a welder in Philadelphia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for welder pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median welder salary of $47,950 is 6.2% above the Pennsylvania state average of $45,130. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $47,950 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Philadelphia? ▼
Most welder positions in Philadelphia 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.