Welder Salary in Portland, OR
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Trades · COL Index: 130.1
$60,940
Median Salary
$62,980
Mean Salary
$46,841
COL-Adjusted
3,010
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $47,330 | $36,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,460 | $39,554 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $60,940 | $46,841 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,140 | $54,681 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $82,930 | $63,743 |
What Drives the Range
The $35,600 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Welder positions in Portland, OR reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Portland, OR's cost-of-living index of 130.1 means that a $60,940 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $46,841 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.