Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $54,940, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific economic landscape and demand within this nonmetropolitan region directly influence the compensation offered to skilled trades professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,280.
- Outlook: The job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in South Central Tennessee appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 860 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.8 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying strong local demand and a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on these skilled positions.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-16.8%below the national average.
$22
$879
$3,809
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in skilled trades. Increased demand for infrastructure, manufacturing, and repair services likely contributes to upward pressure on wages for welders and related professions, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or expertise in specialized welding techniques can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,830 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,283 | $16.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,220 | $21.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,138 | $27.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,280 | $27.1 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,710 in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, making it a neutral factor in relocation decisions from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
7.694
Per 1K Jobs
2.8
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x the national concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.8, South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. This indicates that these roles are disproportionately prevalent here compared to the rest of the country, suggesting a strong demand driven by local industries and potentially fewer competing professionals, which can be advantageous for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,250↑ 19% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,190↑ 10% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $45,090↓ 1% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $51,410↑ 12% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $44,730↓ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $45,710. This typically ranges from $36,830 for entry-level positions to $56,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 16.8% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $45,710 is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.8) indicates strong local demand and a specialized market.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($54,250) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $45,710, which is approximately 17% lower than the national average of $54,940.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.8 mean for welders in this area?
An LQ of 2.8 signifies that the concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs in this region is 2.8 times higher than the national average, indicating a specialized and robust local job market for these professionals.
How does the cost of living affect the welder's salary in South Central Tennessee?
The cost of living in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (100), meaning the $45,710 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What is the total number of welders employed in this region?
There are approximately 860 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, contributing to a significant portion of the local skilled workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.694 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 South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area