Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area earn an average annual salary of $44,430. This figure is notably below the national average of $54,940, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics are influencing compensation in this specific region. The cost of living in Auburn-Opelika aligns with the national average, making the salary comparison a critical consideration for professionals in this trade.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,610.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Auburn-Opelika, AL, comprises approximately 220 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.11, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for skilled welding professionals within the area's industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-19.1%below the national average.
$21.4
$854
$3,703
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized group is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Auburn-Opelika have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increased industrial activity typically drive upward pressure on wages for skilled trades, even if regional variations persist.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on expertise and demonstrated skill in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,323 | $16 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,350 | $21.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,538 | $26.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,610 | $27.7 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,430 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local welder's salary is effectively aligned with the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
3.051
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.11 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Auburn-Opelika signifies a modest concentration of these roles relative to the national landscape. This suggests that while the demand is present and slightly above average, the market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The presence of 3.051 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this moderate level of market activity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $40,650↓ 9% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $48,720↑ 10% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,900↑ 24% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $46,710↑ 5% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $43,350↓ 2% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $44,430. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $57,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 19.1% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $44,430 is significantly lower than the national average of $54,940, indicating less earning potential in this specific location.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($40,650) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $44,430, which is $10,510 less than the national average of $54,940.
What is the concentration of welders in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The Location Quotient for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Auburn-Opelika is 1.11, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average, meaning the $44,430 salary has standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of welders in the Auburn-Opelika area?
There are approximately 220 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Auburn-Opelika, AL region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 3.051 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL