Welder Salary in Reading, PA: $41,369 (2026)

Welder Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median welder salary of $41,369, which is $3,761 below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,130. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $41,369 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Reading spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $62,304 at the 90th percentile — a $33,088 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,840. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level welder earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,160

$-3,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$42,240

$-5,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,840

$-8,160 vs national

Percentile	Reading	PA State	National
10th Percentile	$29,216	$31,872	$33,200
25th Percentile	$34,144	$37,248	$38,800
Median (50th)	$41,369	$45,130	$47,010
75th Percentile	$51,216	$55,872	$58,200
90th Percentile	$62,304	$67,968	$70,800

Percentile

Reading

10th Percentile

$29,216

25th Percentile

$34,144

Median (50th)

$41,369

75th Percentile

$51,216

90th Percentile

$62,304

How to Become a Welder in Reading

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Reading 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Reading

How much does a Welder make in Reading, PA? ▼

The median welder salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $41,369 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $62,304 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $41,369, a welder in Reading earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for welder pay? ▼

Reading's median welder salary of $41,369 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,130. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼

Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $41,369 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most welder positions in Reading 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 Reading, Pennsylvania