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Welder Salary in Buffalo, NY

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

Median Salary
$53,120
per year in Buffalo
Entry Level
$28,008
Starting salary
Senior Level
$73,402
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,008$53,120$73,402
Monthly$2,334$4,427$6,117
Biweekly$1,077$2,043$2,823
Weekly$539$1,022$1,412
Hourly$13$26$35

Buffalo vs National Average

How Buffalo's welder salaries compare to national figures.

Buffalo Salary
$53,120
COL Index: 102
National Average
$64,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$11,540
Lower in Buffalo

Cost of Living in Buffalo

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
252,399
residents
Rent % of Income
34.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Buffalo 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
+15%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,200
+10%
Chicago, IL
$50,700
-5%
Houston, TX
$53,810
+1%
Phoenix, AZ
$54,650
+3%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Welder Salary in Buffalo, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a welder in Buffalo, NY is $53,120 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Buffalo's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level welder professionals in Buffalo can expect to earn around $28,008 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level welders earning approximately $73,402 per year. This represents a 162% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Buffalo's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Buffalo 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 Buffalo typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 31.6% 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 Buffalo, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.