Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $62,980. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $54,940, indicating a strong local demand for these skilled trades. The specialized needs of the region's industrial and manufacturing sectors likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,930.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area supports a robust local workforce of 3,010 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand. The presence of 2.48 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available in this skilled trade.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+14.6%above the national average.
$30.3
$1,211
$5,248
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA region have experienced a positive growth trend over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor, and regional economic development typically drive upward salary adjustments in specialized fields.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities available within the trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,330 | $22.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $47,235 | $22.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,940 | $29.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $78,725 | $37.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $82,930 | $39.9 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,980 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 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 region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses compared to other areas.
Job Market Context
3,010
Total Jobs
2.48
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.90x 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 0.9, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is slightly below the national average concentration. This suggests that while the demand is present and robust, the market is not oversaturated, offering a competitive yet accessible environment for skilled professionals seeking employment in this trade.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $55,950↓ 11% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $58,860↓ 7% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $58,450↓ 7% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $55,990↓ 11% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,110↓ 14% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $62,980. This typically ranges from $47,330 for entry-level positions to $82,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 14.6% higher than the national median of $54,940.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.The average salary of $62,980 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($55,950) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the local welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $62,980, which is $8,040 higher than the national average of $54,940.
What is the concentration of welders in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The Location Quotient for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in this area is 0.9, indicating a concentration that is slightly below the national average.
How many welders are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area?
There are approximately 3,010 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the welder salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
No, the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $62,980 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,010 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 2.48 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA