Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Charleston, WV
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Charleston, WV, can expect an average annual salary of $52,690. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the West Virginia region. While not reaching the national benchmark, the compensation is influenced by the specific industrial landscape and workforce dynamics present in Charleston.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,460.
- Outlook: The Charleston, WV market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers appears stable, with a total local workforce of 260 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not overwhelmingly saturated job market. With 2.444 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present, though not exceptionally high, pointing to consistent opportunities for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Charleston, WV earns-4.1%below the national average.
$25.3
$1,013
$4,391
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston, WV is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled trades, and the need for specialized welding techniques across various industries.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data for Charleston is unavailable, the general trend shows that experienced professionals command higher wages due to their specialized skills, certifications, and ability to handle complex projects. The gap between lower and higher percentile earnings signifies substantial opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,600 | $16.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,518 | $19 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,770 | $23 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,863 | $31.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,460 | $35.3 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,690 in Charleston, WV, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's salary in Charleston is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living as in many other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
2.444
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Charleston, WV has 0.89x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.89, Charleston, WV, has a slightly lower concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry within the local economy. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, implying a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $48,660↓ 8% | 44 mi |
| Beckley, WV Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $52,290↓ 1% | 46 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $48,630↓ 8% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Charleston, WV?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Charleston, WV is $52,690. This typically ranges from $33,600 for entry-level positions to $73,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 4.1% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Moderately lucrative.The average salary of $52,690 is close to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, offering comparable purchasing power. However, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high-demand market.
Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($48,660) and Beckley, WV.
How does Charleston, WV's welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Charleston, WV, is $52,690, which is slightly below the national average of $54,940.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV for welders?
The cost of living in Charleston, WV, is at the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a welder's salary is comparable to the national average.
How concentrated are welder jobs in Charleston, WV?
Charleston, WV has a Location Quotient of 0.89 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.
What is the total number of welders in Charleston, WV?
There are approximately 260 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Charleston, WV area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 2.444 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 Charleston, WV