Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area earn an average annual salary of $53,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within Michigan. The specific economic landscape of Kalamazoo-Portage shapes the compensation for these skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,980.
- Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area supports a local workforce of 210 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderate but stable demand within the region. The presence of 1.76 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these skilled professionals, though not a hyper-concentrated market.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-1.9%below the national average.
$25.9
$1,037
$4,493
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kalamazoo-Portage is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and a growing need for specialized manufacturing likely contribute to incremental salary growth for experienced professionals in this field.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As professionals gain experience and acquire advanced certifications, their earning potential increases significantly. The salary gap between junior and senior practitioners often widens, reflecting the value placed on expertise, precision, and the ability to handle complex projects.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,090 | $19.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,433 | $19.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,860 | $23.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $67,388 | $32.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $67,980 | $32.7 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,910 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's income in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the premium costs often associated with higher-than-average salary locations.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
1.76
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 0.64x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.64 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI suggests that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This indicates that while there is a steady presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the workforce or seeking new roles without facing intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $51,270↓ 5% | 18 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $56,100↑ 4% | 45 mi |
| Niles, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $51,990↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,270↓ 7% | 48 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,600↓ 6% | 54 mi |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $53,910. This typically ranges from $40,090 for entry-level positions to $67,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 1.9% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $53,910 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($51,270) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the Kalamazoo-Portage welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $53,910, which is slightly lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI for welders?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is standard.
Is there high demand for welders in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
With 1.76 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.64, the demand is present but not exceptionally high compared to national concentrations.
How many welders are employed in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area?
The total local workforce for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is approximately 210 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 1.76 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI