Welder Salary in Nashville
2025 BLS OEWS Data · Welding · COL Index: 103
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Level | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Apprentice / Entry) | $27,903 | $27,090 |
| 25th Percentile (Early Career) | $34,875 | $33,859 |
| 50th Percentile (Journeyman / Median) | $45,564 | $44,237 |
| 75th Percentile (Experienced) | $57,547 | $55,871 |
| 90th Percentile (Master / Foreman) | $70,578 | $68,522 |
What Welders Make in Nashville
A welder in Nashville, TN earns a median salary of $45,564 per year. The $42,675 spread between entry-level and top earners reflects experience, certifications, union membership, and specialization.
Nashville's cost-of-living index of 103 means that $45,564 here has the same purchasing power as $44,237 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively affordable cost of living makes Nashville a solid market for take-home pay.
Welders in Nashville typically complete a 3-year apprenticeship, starting near the 10th percentile ($27,903) and reaching journeyman-level median pay of $45,564 with full certification. With a Trade Pay Score of 53 (D), this trade-city combination rates as below average for earning potential relative to local living costs.