Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, earn an average annual salary of $53,980. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, suggesting local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local economic landscape is key to interpreting this figure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,440.
- Outlook: The Lexington-Fayette, KY, job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.64, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. With a local workforce of approximately 500 individuals in this profession, the demand appears stable but not exceptionally high, suggesting a consistent but not rapidly expanding job market.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-1.7%below the national average.
$26
$1,038
$4,498
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and increased demand for infrastructure and manufacturing. This general growth likely translates to modest salary increases for experienced professionals in the region.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range widens considerably with experience, reflecting the acquisition of specialized skills, certifications, and a proven track record. Higher percentile earnings are generally reserved for those with extensive experience and expertise in complex welding techniques.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,870 | $18.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,485 | $19.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,260 | $24.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $67,475 | $32.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,440 | $33.4 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,980 in Lexington-Fayette, 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 income in this region is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
1.757
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field may be less competitive or saturated compared to other regions, potentially offering a more balanced job search for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $53,980. This typically ranges from $38,870 for entry-level positions to $69,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 1.7% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $53,980 is slightly below the national average of $54,940, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a highly lucrative market.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($47,260) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local welder workforce size compare nationally?
The local workforce of 500 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is part of a larger national picture, with the Location Quotient of 0.64 suggesting a proportionally smaller concentration in Lexington-Fayette compared to the U.S. average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Lexington-Fayette?
An LQ of 0.64 means that the proportion of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Lexington-Fayette's workforce is 36% lower than the national average. This indicates a less concentrated industry presence in the region.
Are there many job openings for welders in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
With 1.757 jobs per 1,000 workers, the number of openings suggests a steady demand for welders, though not indicative of a booming job market. The concentration is below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette affect welder salaries?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the $53,980 average salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. Therefore, the cost of living does not significantly enhance or diminish the real value of the local welder's income.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 1.757 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- All Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Production Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Management Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Browse All Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY