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Welder Salary in Erie, PA

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

Median Salary
$53,441
per year in Erie
Entry Level
$28,178
Starting salary
Senior Level
$73,846
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
87
13% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,178$53,441$73,846
Monthly$2,348$4,453$6,154
Biweekly$1,084$2,055$2,840
Weekly$542$1,028$1,420
Hourly$14$26$36

Erie vs National Average

How Erie's welder salaries compare to national figures.

Erie Salary
$53,441
COL Index: 87
National Average
$64,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$11,219
Lower in Erie

Cost of Living in Erie

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$38,140
per year
Population
94,831
residents
Rent % of Income
26.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 87 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Erie 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
+14%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,200
+9%
Chicago, IL
$50,700
-5%
Houston, TX
$53,810
+1%
Phoenix, AZ
$54,650
+2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Welder Salary in Erie, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a welder in Erie, PA is $53,441 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 87. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Erie's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level welder professionals in Erie can expect to earn around $28,178 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level welders earning approximately $73,846 per year. This represents a 162% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Erie's cost of living index of 87 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Erie 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 Erie typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 19.1% 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 Erie, 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.