Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earn an average annual salary of $49,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $54,940, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre region plays a significant role in shaping the earning potential for these skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,100.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 500 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand. While the workforce size suggests a consistent need for these skills, the concentration level points to a market that is neither saturated nor experiencing explosive growth.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-9.3%below the national average.
$24
$958
$4,151
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Scranton--Wilkes-Barre 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 economic recovery and increased investment in infrastructure and manufacturing. This growth is typically driven by inflation, rising material costs, and an increasing demand for specialized welding techniques across various industries.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is typically marked by increasing salary levels corresponding to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with certifications in advanced welding techniques or supervisory experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these salary ranges signifies a clear career ladder and the financial rewards of acquiring expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,990 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,358 | $18 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,190 | $23.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,263 | $29.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,100 | $28.9 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,810 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a welder's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being on par suggests that the take-home pay may offer comparable living standards to other areas, making it a neutral factor for relocation purely based on cost.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
1.963
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.71x 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 0.71, the job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry within the region. Consequently, job seekers may find a moderate level of competition, with opportunities available but perhaps not as abundant as in areas with a higher concentration of manufacturing or heavy industry.
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Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $49,810. This typically ranges from $37,990 for entry-level positions to $60,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 9.3% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $49,810 is below the national average of $54,940, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate indicates less lucrative opportunities.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($49,170) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $49,810, which is approximately $5,130 less than the national average of $54,940.
What is the concentration of welders in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.71, indicating that this profession is less prevalent in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA affect welder salaries?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the nominal salary of $49,810 has average purchasing power locally, neither significantly boosting nor diminishing its real value.
How many welders are employed in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
There are approximately 500 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area, representing 1.963 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 500 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 1.963 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA