Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $50,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within this specific Michigan metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,400.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area boasts a robust job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, evidenced by a total local workforce of 2,450 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.59 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-8.5%below the national average.
$24.2
$967
$4,189
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role and location isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation, demand for skilled trades, and industry advancements.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior welders with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the 75th percentile and beyond. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,810 | $18.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,703 | $18.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,100 | $23.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,838 | $30.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,400 | $30 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,270 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the local cost of goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage when considering relocation or local compensation.
Job Market Context
2,450
Total Jobs
4.362
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 1.6x 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 1.59, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area exhibits a notable concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers compared to the national landscape. This indicates a more competitive or abundant job market for these specialized roles, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $47,780↓ 5% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,910↑ 7% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $51,270↑ 2% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $55,650↑ 11% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $49,520↓ 1% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $50,270. This typically ranges from $37,810 for entry-level positions to $62,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 8.5% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.59) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable and accessible market for welders.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($47,780) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the local welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $50,270, which is approximately 8.5% lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the concentration of welders in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Location Quotient for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in this area is 1.59, meaning there are about 59% more of these jobs relative to the national average, indicating a higher demand or presence.
How does the cost of living affect the welder salary in Grand Rapids?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is at the national average. Therefore, the $50,270 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of welders in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 2,450 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed within the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,450 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 4.362 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI