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Welder Salary in Cleveland, OH β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Cleveland's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Welder Salary in Cleveland β€” Key Numbers

$40,409
Median Salary
$31,850
25th Percentile
$51,408
75th Percentile
$65,051
90th Percentile
National median (Welder)$47,540
vs. National median-15.0%
Cleveland median household income$52,600
vs. City household income-23.2%

Cost of Living in Cleveland

Cost of Living Index
85(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio28.2%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$175,000
Home Price / Salary4.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$35,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.3 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Cleveland

5.4%
Unemployment Rate
2,010,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
37.8
Median Age

Cleveland has a metro population of 2,010,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Welder make in Cleveland, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Welder in Cleveland is $40,409 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $47,540 adjusted by Cleveland's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $31,850 (25th percentile) to $51,408 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $65,051.

Is Cleveland affordable for a Welder?

On a $40,409 annual salary, a Welder in Cleveland would spend approximately 28.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $175,000 is 4.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Welder's salary compare to Cleveland's overall income?

Cleveland's median household income is $52,600. A Welder earning the city-adjusted median of $40,409 earns 23.2% less than the typical Cleveland household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Cleveland has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.