Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $54,870. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $54,940, indicating a stable and competitive compensation landscape. Local economic factors and industry demand in this region closely mirror national trends, resulting in this near-parity pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,490.
- Outlook: The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ region supports a local workforce of 740 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderately developed but not oversaturated market. The presence of nearly 2 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for skilled professionals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-0.1%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,055
$4,573
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for infrastructure projects and manufacturing output typically drives up compensation for skilled trades, suggesting a positive trajectory for earnings in this field.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise, efficiency, and the ability to handle complex welding tasks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,680 | $19.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,153 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $53,170 | $25.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,588 | $33 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $71,490 | $34.4 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,870 in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's income in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
1.994
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 0.72x the national average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.72 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a potentially less competitive market compared to areas with higher LQs, which could present opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment, though it also implies that the industry may not be a dominant economic driver in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $52,800↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $61,360↑ 12% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $57,330↑ 4% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,270↓ 8% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $49,810↓ 9% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $54,870. This typically ranges from $40,680 for entry-level positions to $71,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 0.1% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is nearly identical to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($52,800) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the total local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 740 indicates a stable, established presence of welders, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities within the region's industries.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.72 imply for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 suggests that the concentration of welders is lower than the national average, potentially meaning less competition for skilled professionals.
How does the cost of living impact the welder's salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the $54,870 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, making it a neutral factor for relocation decisions.
Are there many welding jobs per capita in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
With 1.994 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of welding jobs is moderate, indicating a steady but not overwhelming demand for these services in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 1.994 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ