Trades & Labor Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Welder Salary in Rhode Island

The median welder salary in Rhode Island is $49,361 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$49,361
vs National
+$2,351
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Welder Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for welder pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $49,361 per year, welders in Rhode Island earn $2,351 more than the national median of $47,010.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning welder salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $34,860, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $74,340 — a $39,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $50,771.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level welder earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,400 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
+$1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
+$2,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,400
+$3,400 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $49,361? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $34,860
25th Percentile $40,740
Median (50th) $49,361
75th Percentile $61,110
90th Percentile $74,340

Welder Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for welders in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 427,300 other Welders.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Welder Roles in Rhode Island?

Get matched with recruiters hiring welders in Rhode Island at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Welder make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median welder salary in Rhode Island is $49,361 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $34,860 (10th percentile) to $74,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,361, a welder in Rhode Island earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for welders? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $71,400.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Rhode Island's median of $49,361 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($50,301) and New Hampshire ($49,361).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level welder in Rhode Island earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,400.
What city in Rhode Island pays welders the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for welders, with a median salary of $50,771. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.