Trenton vs Union City: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Union City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,820 | $63,505▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.32 | $30.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,347 | $48,747▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,603 | $56,596▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,330 | $75,454▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,187 | $92,814▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Union City, NJ offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Trenton and Union City is $6,685 (11.77%). Union City's median is +13.61% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $38,840,Union City spans $44,067. Union City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Union City ($55,126 effective) pays 0.10% more than Trenton ($55,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Union City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,505/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,814)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,126)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Trenton grew 27.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.4% growth in Union City over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$42,870 (2019) → $54,640 (2025)
Union City, NJ
$68,169 (2024) → $61,068 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Union City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Trenton or Union City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union City?
Should I relocate from Trenton to Union City as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Trenton vs Union City?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov