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Welder Salary in Alpena, MI

How much does a welder make in Alpena? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Alpena's cost of living.

Median Salary
$47,590
per year in Alpena
Entry Level
$25,092
Starting salary
Senior Level
$65,760
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how welder salaries break down across different pay periods in Alpena.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,092$47,590$65,760
Monthly$2,091$3,966$5,480
Biweekly$965$1,830$2,529
Weekly$483$915$1,265
Hourly$12$23$32

Alpena vs National Average

How Alpena's welder salaries compare to national figures.

Alpena Salary
$47,590
COL Index: 80
National Average
$64,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,070
Lower in Alpena

Cost of Living in Alpena

1-Bedroom Rent
$660
per month
Median Income
$36,821
per year
Population
10,190
residents
Rent % of Income
21.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Alpena have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Welder

Overview

Join metal parts using welding techniques and equipment.

Education

High school diploma; welding certification required

Key Skills

Welding TechniquesMetal WorkSafetyBlueprint Reading

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Welder Salary

See Welder salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,840
+28%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,200
+22%
Chicago, IL
$50,700
+7%
Houston, TX
$53,810
+13%
Phoenix, AZ
$54,650
+15%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Welder Salary in Alpena, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a welder in Alpena, MI is $47,590 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Alpena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level welder professionals in Alpena can expect to earn around $25,092 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level welders earning approximately $65,760 per year. This represents a 162% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Alpena's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Alpena are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $64,660, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a welder's salary in Alpena typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $660 per month, housing represents about 16.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Welders are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Alpena, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.