Welder Salaries in Rhode Island — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Rhode Island pays welders a median wage of $57,000 per year — that's $27.40/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 2,350 welders make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Welder salaries in Rhode Island are above the national average by approximately $2,392. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Strong demand and union representation mean welders in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.
Rhode Island Welder Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Rhode Island after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Rhode Island Welder Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Rhode Island median of $57,000.
Welder Salary by Experience — Rhode Island
Welder Salary Trend in Rhode Island — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for welders in Rhode Island: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Rhode Island's manufacturing and construction.
Welder Salary by City — Rhode Island
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $63,250 | $30.41 | +11.0% | 822 |
| Cranston | $60,400 | $29.04 | +6.0% | 658 |
| Warwick | $58,700 | $28.22 | +3.0% | 423 |
| Pawtucket | $54,700 | $26.30 | -4.0% | 211 |
| East Providence | $51,850 | $24.93 | -9.0% | 141 |
| Woonsocket | $49,600 | $23.85 | -13.0% | 94 |
Tip: Providence offers the highest welder salaries in Rhode Island at $63,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Rhode Island vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Rhode Island sits in the mid-range for welders.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Welder Job Outlook in Rhode Island
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for welders in Rhode Island is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Rhode Island job market. Strong demand and union representation mean welders in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.
How to Earn More as a Welder in Rhode Island
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a welder in Rhode Island typically adds $46,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AWS Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Providence pays welders $63,250/yr — +11.0% above the Rhode Island average. Simply relocating within Rhode Island can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Welders who specialise in manufacturing and construction typically command premium rates in Rhode Island. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Connecticut pays welders $64,520/yr — 13.2% vs Rhode Island.
Find Welder Jobs in Rhode Island
Live ListingsSearch current welder job vacancies in Rhode Island:
🔍 Welder jobs in Rhode Island — Indeed→ 🔍 Welder jobs in Rhode Island — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Welder jobs — Providence, RI→