Welder in Concord, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

As a local Concord native who's watched the manufacturing and construction sectors ebb and flow over the decades, I can tell you that welding here is a solid, if not flashy, career path. The data backs this up. The median annual salary for a welder in the Concord metro area is $50,928/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $24.48/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $49,590/year, giving you a small but meaningful edge for choosing a New Hampshire lifestyle over the national median.

However, this median figure masks the significant variance based on experience, specialization, and employer. It's crucial to understand where you might fall on this spectrum when you first arrive or when negotiating a new role. The Concord metro, with a population of 44,219, supports a niche but stable market with approximately 88 welding jobs. The 10-year job growth is projected at 2%, which isn't explosive but indicates steady replacement demand and some expansion, particularly in specialized industrial and infrastructure sectors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at how salary progresses with time and skill in the Concord area. This isn't just about years on the job; it's about mastering specific processes (like GTAW/TIG for precision work) and gaining certifications relevant to local industries.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Local Salary Range (Annual)	Typical Local Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $45,000	Production welder, fitter, apprenticeship roles.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$46,000 - $58,000	Certified welder, structural welder, maintenance welder.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$59,000 - $72,000+	Lead welder, welding inspector, specialized fabricator.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$73,000+	Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), welding engineer, consultant.

Data compiled from BLS aggregates and local job postings.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid to senior level is where you see the biggest pay increase. This is often tied to obtaining AWS (American Welding Society) certifications, particularly in processes like Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) for structural work or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) for stainless steel, which is common in food-grade equipment manufacturing—a niche Concord has a few shops in.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Concord isn't the highest-paying city in New Hampshire for welders, but its cost of living and lifestyle balance are often more favorable than the Seacoast or Nashua areas.

City	Median Salary (Annual)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Industries
Concord	$50,928	109.0	State government, healthcare, light manufacturing
Manchester	$52,100	105.5	Manufacturing, healthcare, tech
Portsmouth	$53,500	138.0	Shipbuilding, marine, high-tech manufacturing
Nashua	$51,800	112.0	Aerospace, electronics, defense

While Manchester and Portsmouth offer marginally higher wages, the 138.0 index for Portsmouth's cost of living—driven by extremely high housing costs—means your purchasing power is significantly lower. In Concord, the 109.0 index is more manageable, especially if you're willing to live slightly outside the immediate downtown core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. A median salary sounds good, but how does it feel to live on it in Concord? We'll use the median salary of $50,928 for this breakdown, assuming a single filer with standard deductions.

Annual Gross: $50,928
Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): $11,500
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: **$39,428**
Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,285

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a welder living in Concord:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,471	City-wide average. Can be lower in West End, higher in Penacook.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, internet.
Groceries	$350	Shopping at Hannaford or Market Basket.
Transportation	$300	Gas, insurance, potential car payment. Limited public transit.
Healthcare	$200	Employer-sponsored plan premiums + out-of-pocket.
Misc/Leisure	$200	Essentials, dining out, entertainment.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,671
Remaining Monthly Savings	$614

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With $614 in monthly savings, saving for a down payment is a long-term game. The median home price in Concord is roughly $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000, which at this savings rate would take over 9 years. However, NH has first-time homebuyer programs (like the NH Housing Finance Authority), and many welders opt for a smaller starter home or a condo in the $250,000 range, making a down payment of $50,000 more realistic (about 6.5 years of saving). It's tight but possible, especially with a partner's income or as you move into higher-paying senior roles.

Insider Tip: Many local welders live in neighboring towns like Loudon or Canterbury where rent and property taxes are lower, accepting a 15-20 minute commute to Concord employers. This can free up an extra $200-$300 per month.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

Concord's welding jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors: state government infrastructure, healthcare equipment, and specialized fabrication. Unlike large industrial cities, you won't find massive shipyards, but there are stable, often unionized, shops with good benefits.

1. NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) - Concord Headquarters: While not a traditional welding shop, NHDOT has a significant equipment maintenance and fabrication division. They handle bridge repair, guardrail fabrication, and heavy equipment maintenance. Jobs here are highly sought after for their state benefits and job security. Hiring tends to be cyclical, tied to state budgets and infrastructure grants.
2. Stevens Manufacturing: A long-standing local fabricator, Stevens works on a variety of projects from structural steel for commercial buildings to custom metalwork. They serve clients across New England. This is a classic "bread and butter" shop where you can work on everything from mild steel to aluminum. They often hire for both production and field welding roles.
3. Concord Hospital: The hospital's facilities department employs welders for maintaining medical gas systems, fabricating patient handling equipment, and general plant maintenance. It's a less common but stable path, offering excellent healthcare benefits.
4. Wheeler Industrial Services (in nearby Manchester, a common commute): A major player in industrial maintenance and fabrication, often serving the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. Their work frequently requires high-purity stainless steel welding (TIG), a premium skill. Many Concord-based welders make the 30-minute commute for the higher pay and specialty work.
5. Local Machine Shops & Fabricators: There are numerous smaller shops (e.g., M&T Manufacturing, R & L Welding) that support the local economy. These are often the best places to break into the trade, offering hands-on training. Hiring is frequent but less formal; networking and walking in with a resume can work.
6. Union Shops (Ironworkers Local 7): For structural and bridge welding, the union hall in Manchester is a key resource. Projects in Concord (like the new bridge on I-93) often call out for union welders. The pay is higher (often $30+/hour), but you must be a member or apprentice.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing need for welders who can also do light machining or operate CNC plasma cutters. The "one-trick pony" welder is less in demand than a versatile fabricator. Also, with many older welders retiring, shops are actively seeking mid-career types to fill the gap.

Getting Licensed in NH

Good news: New Hampshire does not have a state-level welder's license. You do not need a specific state permit to weld for construction, manufacturing, or maintenance.

However, that doesn't mean you can work without credentials. Employers and clients require proof of competency, primarily through certifications.

1. AWS Certifications: The American Welding Society (AWS) is the gold standard. The most common are:
   • AWS Certified Welder (CW): Tests your skill in specific processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW) on specific base metals. Cost: $300 - $500 per test.
   • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): A major career booster, especially for senior roles. Requires experience and passing a rigorous exam. Cost: $1,100 - $1,600 for the seminar and exam.
2. NDT Certification: For work in aerospace or pressure vessels, you may need Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) certifications (e.g., Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant). This is typically done through employers.
3. OSHA 10/30: While not welding-specific, most employers require OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour training for safety on job sites. Cost: $50 - $150.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weeks 1-2: If you're new, enroll in a short course at NHTI - Concord's Community College. They offer a Welding Technology certificate program. Getting a basic AWS certification here is a smart move.
• Month 1: Start applying for entry-level positions. Be upfront about your certification goals.
• Months 2-6: On-the-job training. Many shops will pay for your first AWS certification if you show promise.
• Year 1-2: Gain experience, get certified in your primary process. Consider a CWI if you're looking at inspection roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Concord affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. West End (Penacook Area): This is where many blue-collar workers and young families live. It's more affordable, with 1BR rents averaging $1,200 - $1,350. The commute to major employers like Stevens Manufacturing is under 10 minutes. It's quiet, with easy access to the Merrimack River for fishing or kayaking after a long shift.
2. Downtown Concord: Walkable and vibrant, but expensive. A 1BR here can run $1,600 - $1,800. Best for those who want to be near restaurants, the Capitol Center for the Arts, and don't mind a short drive to work. Not ideal for saving money.
3. East Side (Near Concord Hospital): A mix of older homes and apartments. Rents are similar to the West End ($1,300 - $1,500). Very convenient if you land a job at the hospital. Safe, family-friendly, and close to the highway for commutes to Manchester.
4. North End (I-93 Corridor): Newer apartment complexes and subdivisions. Rents are higher ($1,500 - $1,700), but you get modern amenities and a super-fast commute to the highway and NHDOT HQ. Good for those who value a quick drive over charm.
5. Rural Outskirts (Loudon, Canterbury): If you own a truck and don't mind a 15-20 minute drive, you can find a small house or apartment for $1,000 - $1,200. This is the budget champion, allowing for significant savings. The trade-off is a longer commute and fewer nearby amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Welding in Concord isn't a dead-end job, but growth requires intentionality. The 10-year job growth of 2% means you must specialize to outpace the norm.

• Specialty Premiums: Mastering TIG welding on stainless steel can add $5-$8/hour to your rate. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials can push you into the $70,000+ range. Underwater welding (for dam or bridge work) is a niche but highly paid field, though it requires additional training and travel.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Welder → Lead Welder/Shop Foreman: Requires people skills and organizational ability.
  2. Welder → Welding Inspector (CWI): Less physically taxing, more analytical.
  3. Welder → Welding Engineer: Requires a degree, but local shops sometimes hire experienced inspectors into engineering roles.
  4. Business Owner: Many successful local fabricators started as welders. It's high-risk but has the highest ceiling.
• 10-Year Outlook: Steady. The core industries (state infrastructure, healthcare, light manufacturing) are not going away. Automation will affect simple production welding, but custom fabrication, repair, and inspection will remain human-dependent. Your best bet is to become the person who can read blueprints, operate a CNC machine, and weld a perfect TIG bead.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Concord offers a stable, if modest, career path for welders who value a balanced lifestyle over the hustle of a major metro. It's a place to build a life, not just a resume.

Pros	Cons
Above-national-average pay for a lower cost of living.	Modest job growth (2%) – competition for the best jobs can be keen.
Stable employers (state, hospital, established shops).	Limited high-tech industries – fewer "cutting-edge" welding jobs.
Easy commute and minimal traffic congestion.	Rent is rising, squeezing the budget for entry-level welders.
Four-season lifestyle with easy access to mountains and lakes.	Social scene is quieter – not a nightlife hub for young singles.
Strong union presence for those seeking that path.	Requires specialization to reach top-tier salaries.

Final Recommendation:
Concord is an excellent choice for a mid-career welder with a family or someone seeking stability and a work-life balance. It's less ideal for a young, single welder looking for a fast-paced, high-earning career in a booming tech or aerospace hub. If you're willing to get certified, specialize, and maybe commute 30 minutes to Manchester for premium roles, Concord can be a fantastic and affordable base.

FAQs

Q: I'm a welder moving from out of state. Do I need to get recertified in NH?
A: No. Your AWS certifications are nationally recognized and valid in New Hampshire. However, you may need to provide proof of your certifications to new employers, and some may require you to pass a practical test on their specific equipment as part of the hiring process.

Q: What's the best way to find a welding job in Concord?
A: The classic method is still effective: walk into local shops (like Stevens Manufacturing or smaller fabricators) with a resume and ask if they're hiring. Online, check the NH Employment Security website and Indeed, but also look at the union hall (Ironworkers Local 7) if you're interested in structural work. Networking at local trade events or at NHTI's welding program is highly effective.

Q: Is the winter weather a problem for welders in Concord?
A: It can be. Outdoor structural welding (bridges, etc.) slows down or stops from December to March. However, most shop work is indoors and unaffected. If you're in maintenance or field service, you'll need proper winter PPE. Many welders appreciate the downtime for indoor projects or family time.

Q: Can I make a six-figure salary as a welder in Concord?
A: It's challenging but possible with the right path. You'd likely need to be a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), a welding engineer, or a business owner. A standard production or structural welder will top out around $75,000 unless they take on significant overtime or travel.

Q: Are there apprenticeship programs available?
A: Yes. The most prominent is through the Ironworkers Local 7 apprenticeship, which includes welding training. Some larger shops also have formal apprenticeship programs. The NHTI program can also serve as a pipeline into apprenticeship roles. It's a great way to earn while you learn and avoid student debt.