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Welder Salary in Winston-Salem, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Welder Salary in Winston-Salem β€” Key Numbers

$41,835
Median Salary
$32,974
25th Percentile
$53,222
75th Percentile
$67,346
90th Percentile
National median (Welder)$47,540
vs. National median-12.0%
Winston-Salem median household income$52,600
vs. City household income-20.5%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.2%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$230,000
Home Price / Salary5.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$46,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.5 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 Winston-Salem

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
35.7
Median Age

Winston-Salem has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Welder make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Welder in Winston-Salem is $41,835 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $47,540 adjusted by Winston-Salem's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $32,974 (25th percentile) to $53,222 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $67,346.

Is Winston-Salem affordable for a Welder?

On a $41,835 annual salary, a Welder in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 27.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Winston-Salem relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 5.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Welder's salary compare to Winston-Salem's overall income?

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A Welder earning the city-adjusted median of $41,835 earns 20.5% less than the typical Winston-Salem household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Winston-Salem 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.