TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Welder Salary in Boston

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$93,775/yr

Typical range: $92,207 $108,656

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Welder Salary Progression in Boston

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$55,343$4,612
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$66,104$5,509+19%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$73,278$6,107+32%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$80,247$6,687+45%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$93,775$7,815+69%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$103,614$8,635+87%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$106,074$8,840+92%
Current Salary
$93,775
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $45/hr
Next Level Target
$103,614
Principal · 14
+$10Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead Welder salary in Boston, MA?

Staff / Lead Welders in Boston, MA earn approximately $94K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a staff / lead Welder make per hour in Boston, MA?

Based on $94K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $45/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from staff / lead to senior Welder in Boston, MA?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in Boston, MA earns $92K–$109K/yr.