Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $49,300. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a different demand-supply balance compared to other regions. Factors such as the local industrial base and the cost of doing business in this specific North Carolina region contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,960.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area supports a dedicated workforce of 430 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and established presence of this profession within the local economy. The rate of 2.789 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the presence of this skilled trade, suggesting consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-10.3%below the national average.
$23.7
$948
$4,108
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving industry needs typically drive incremental increases in compensation for skilled trades like welding, ensuring that wages generally keep pace with the cost of living and labor market demands.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Within the welding profession, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and a proven track record can significantly increase their earning potential. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, signifies substantial career growth opportunities and the value placed on expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,860 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,975 | $17.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,480 | $22.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,625 | $29.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,960 | $30.8 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,300 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton 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 this region is comparable to the national standard. While the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers expenses at a similar rate to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
2.789
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton indicates that the concentration of these jobs is almost identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of skilled workers closely matches the demand from local industries. While not a market with an oversupply or undersupply, it signifies a steady environment for those seeking or maintaining employment in these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $57,400↑ 16% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,570↑ 9% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,380↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $55,070↑ 12% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $47,150↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $49,300. This typically ranges from $36,860 for entry-level positions to $63,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 10.3% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
It is a stable, not exceptionally lucrative, place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.The average salary of $49,300 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The market concentration is stable, indicating consistent but not high-growth opportunities.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($57,400) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is $49,300, which is approximately $5,640 less than the national average of $54,940.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for welders in this area?
An LQ of 1.01 means that the concentration of welders in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced labor market for this profession, with neither a significant surplus nor a shortage of workers.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a welder's salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $49,300 salary has the same purchasing power in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton as the national average salary does across the country.
How many welders are employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area?
There are approximately 430 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metropolitan area, representing 2.789 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 2.789 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC