Welder Salary in Camden, NJ: $59,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Camden, NJ earns a median $59,260/year (≈ $28.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Camden's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $51,441 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camden, NJ, welders can expect a median annual salary of $59,260 in 2026, which exceeds the national median of $55,895 by 6.02%. This figure highlights the city’s growing demand for skilled labor, particularly as the salary range for welders spans from $43,584 at the lower end (P10) to $86,241 at the top (P90). Based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, these estimates reflect adjustments for local cost-of-living considerations. For professionals contemplating a career in welding in Camden, salary potential remains promising, making it an attractive option for new apprentices and seasoned welders alike, especially amidst the changing dynamics of the local job market.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,584 | $20.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,385 | $24.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,260 | $28.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,371 | $33.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,241 | $41.46 |
Median Salary Position
6.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camden
In Camden, NJ, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,657 (2026 est.). At $59,260, the local median is 6.02% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Camden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Camden Welder Pay Compares
Camden median: $59,260/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Camden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $64,413 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +6.02% more |
Welders in Camden, NJ earn a median of $59,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 8.00% below the New Jersey state average of $64,413.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Camden has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Camden, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,260 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,441 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,048
2025 BLS Actual
$56,986
2026 Current Est.
$59,260
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,402 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,886 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,624 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Camden metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $45,048 (2019) to $56,986 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,624 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,576 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,584 – $51,385 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,385 – $59,260 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,260 – $70,371 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,371 – $86,241 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Camden
As of 2026, Camden employs 16 welders, reflecting a niche but vital segment of the local economy. The cost-of-living index stands at 115.2, which means that while salaries are competitive, they need to account for above-average living expenses. Employers in sectors such as oil and gas pipeline welding, structural steel fabrication, and petrochemical maintenance are known to offer the most lucrative positions, often depending on specific skill levels and certifications. The disparity in welder pay in Camden can be attributed to factors such as certification levels—including the valued 6G pipe certification—and specialization in areas like aerospace or underwater welding. Mobile welders who invest in rig ownership can significantly increase their earnings, although they must factor in the initial cost of their welding trucks. For welders looking to maximize compensation in this market, pursuing high-demand certifications and considering per-diem opportunities related to traveling work may enhance overall income potential.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,986 for weldersin the Camden metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camden is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov