ConstructionUpdated Q1 2026

Welder Salary
in Portland, ME

Join metal parts using heat and pressure in manufacturing, construction, and repair. Median salary in Portland: $57K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$57K
per year
Take-home: $36K

Salary range in Portland

Entry level (25th)$44,000
Median (50th)$57,000
Senior (75th)$74,000
Top earner (90th)$94,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Portland, Maine. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Portland

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

14% premium vs national median

Welders in Portland earn approximately 14% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $7,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Portland's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

7.15% state tax = $4,076/yr

Maine's 7.15% state income tax reduces take-home by roughly $4,076 per year at the median salary. A Welder relocating to a no-tax state like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee would retain that amount without changing gross pay.

Rent eats 53% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland ($1,600/mo) consumes approximately 53% of an after-tax median Welder salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($74K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Portland

Median salary
$57K
annual
Take-home pay
$36K
after fed/state tax
COL index
115
100 = US avg
State income tax
7.15%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,600
per month
YoY growth
+3.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Portland Welder to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $57K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Portland

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Welder salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$48K$52K$56K$60K$64K201920212023202520272029
2026
$58K
projected
2027
$60K
projected
2028
$61K
projected
2029
$63K
projected
2030
$64K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$57,000+$0
2028 projected$57,000+$0
2029 projected$57,000+$0
2030 projected$57,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Welder Salary in Portland, Maine: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Welder salary in Portland, ME is $57,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Portland–ME metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Welder in Portland

Entry-level Welders in Portland with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $44,000 and $57,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $57,000 to $74,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $74,000 to $94,000 or more.

Cost of living in Portland for Welders

Portland has a cost of living index of 115 compared to the US national average of 100. Portland's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Maine has a 7.15% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Welder

Trade school or apprenticeship; AWS certifications. 2% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Welder salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Portland (current)$57K115
Lewiston$49K98