Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Bowling Green, KY
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Bowling Green, KY, earn an average annual salary of $50,160. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, a common occurrence in regions with specific industrial demands and a distinct cost of living structure. Local economic factors and industry concentration play a significant role in shaping compensation for these skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,130.
- Outlook: The Bowling Green, KY job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 470 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 2.15 significantly surpasses the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles in Bowling Green relative to the rest of the country, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industrial base that relies on these skilled workers.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Bowling Green, KY earns-8.7%below the national average.
$24.1
$965
$4,180
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bowling Green is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for skilled trades like welding over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufacturing and construction services, and a growing need for specialized welding techniques likely contribute to salary growth, even if local averages fluctuate.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Bowling Green, KY
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior welders with advanced certifications, specialized skills (e.g., TIG, MIG, pipe welding), and extensive experience can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distributions reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,750 | $19.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,620 | $18.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,980 | $25 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,700 | $30.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,130 | $27.9 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,160 in Bowling Green, KY, 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 salary in Bowling Green is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living does not disproportionately diminish its value.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
5.9
Per 1K Jobs
2.15
Location Quotient
Bowling Green, KY has 2.1x the national concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.15, Bowling Green, KY, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers compared to the national average. This indicates a strong and specialized demand for these skills within the local economy, potentially making the job market competitive for employers seeking talent but offering ample opportunities for skilled individuals already in or looking to enter the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN-KY Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,190↑ 0% | 57 mi |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,250↑ 8% | 59 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $56,620↑ 13% | 59 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $49,700↓ 1% | 66 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $45,150↓ 10% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bowling Green, KY
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Bowling Green, KY is $50,160. This typically ranges from $40,750 for entry-level positions to $58,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bowling Green, KY is 8.7% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Bowling Green, KY a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.15) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable and accessible market for skilled welders.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Bowling Green, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bowling Green, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Clarksville, TN-KY ($50,190) and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN.
How does the local welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Bowling Green, KY, is $50,160, which is approximately 8.7% lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Bowling Green?
A Location Quotient of 2.15 means that Bowling Green has more than double the national average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, indicating a strong local industry presence and demand for these roles.
Does the cost of living in Bowling Green affect the welder salary?
No, the cost of living in Bowling Green is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $50,160 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical US city.
How many welders are employed in Bowling Green?
There are approximately 470 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in Bowling Green, KY, representing 5.9 jobs per 1,000 workers 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 470 employees in the Bowling Green, KY area with a job density of 5.9 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 Bowling Green, KY