Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $35,000 | $43,000 | $51,000 | $20.67/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $47,000 | $57,000 | $71,000 | $27.4/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $67,000 | $80,000 | $96,000 | $38.46/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Raleigh
A mid-level welder earning $57,000 in Raleigh has the same buying power as $56,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Welder Salaries in Raleigh
The median welder salary in Raleigh, NC is $57,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 6% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Raleigh offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level welders in Raleigh can expect to earn between $35,000 and $51,000 (about $20.67/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $96,000 ($96K annually, or about $46.15/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Raleigh.
Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Raleigh
What is the average Welder salary in Raleigh?+
The average Welder salary in Raleigh is $57,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $43,000 and senior-level pay reaches $80,000.
How much does an entry-level welder make in Raleigh?+
Entry-level welders in Raleigh earn between $35,000 and $51,000, with a median of $43,000 per year (about $20.67/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Welder in Raleigh?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Welder in Raleigh earns roughly $20.67/hour at entry-level, $27.4/hour at mid-level, and $38.46/hour at senior-level.
Is the Welder salary in Raleigh higher than the US average?+
Yes — Welder salaries in Raleigh are about 6% higher than the US national median of $54,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
Negotiating a Welder offer in Raleigh?
Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.
Welder Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Raleigh
Know Your Worth as a Welder in Raleigh
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers