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Welder Salary in Ketchikan, AK

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

Median Salary
$78,077
per year in Ketchikan
Entry Level
$41,167
Starting salary
Senior Level
$107,888
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
115
15% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$41,167$78,077$107,888
Monthly$3,431$6,506$8,991
Biweekly$1,583$3,003$4,150
Weekly$792$1,501$2,075
Hourly$20$38$52

Ketchikan vs National Average

How Ketchikan's welder salaries compare to national figures.

Ketchikan Salary
$78,077
COL Index: 115
National Average
$64,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$13,417
Higher in Ketchikan

Cost of Living in Ketchikan

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
8,370
residents
Rent % of Income
26.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 115 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ketchikan 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
-22%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,200
-25%
Chicago, IL
$50,700
-35%
Houston, TX
$53,810
-31%
Phoenix, AZ
$54,650
-30%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a welder salary in Ketchikan.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Welder Salary in Ketchikan, AK — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a welder in Ketchikan, AK is $78,077 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ketchikan's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level welder professionals in Ketchikan can expect to earn around $41,167 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level welders earning approximately $107,888 per year. This represents a 162% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ketchikan's cost of living index of 115 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 17.7% 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 Ketchikan, 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.