Welder in Essex Junction, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Essex Junction Stands

As a local who’s watched the job market here for years, I can tell you straight: welding in Essex Junction isn’t about striking it rich, but it’s a solid, stable living. The numbers don’t lie. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Burlington-South Burlington metro area, which includes Essex Junction, the median salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is $49,590 per year, or $23.84 per hour. This figure sits right at the national average, which is a useful benchmark—it means while you’re not getting a coastal premium, you’re not being underpaid compared to the rest of the country either.

The local job market, however, is small and specialized. The metro area supports about 21 jobs for welders. That’s not a typo. This isn’t a sprawling industrial hub; it’s a tight-knit community where reputation and relationships matter. The 10-year job growth is projected at 2%, which is essentially flat. This tells you that most opportunities will come from replacing retirees or filling niche roles, not from massive expansion. You’ll need to be strategic and persistent.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience translates to pay here, I’ve broken down the typical salary progression. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local job postings and conversations with employers; the median is your anchor point.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $44,000	$18.27 - $21.15	Often starts in production support, basic fabrication. Certifications are key to bumping this up.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$49,590 (Median)	$23.84	This is the sweet spot—proven skills, likely AWS certifications, can work independently.
Senior (8-15 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25	Often involves lead roles, QA/QC, or specialized processes (TIG, stainless).
Expert/Supervisor (15+ years)	$70,000+	$33.65+	Usually requires management skills, extensive code knowledge (ASME, AWS D1.1), and often union leadership.

How does this compare to other Vermont cities?
Essex Junction’s salary is directly tied to the Burlington-South Burlington metro. For welders, this is the primary market. Compare that to a more rural area like Rutland, where salaries might be slightly lower due to a smaller industrial base, or to Montpelier, where state government-related fabrication work pays competitively. The key advantage of Essex Junction is its proximity to the major employers in the greater Burlington area (Williston, South Burlington), offering a wider pool of jobs within a short commute. You get the smaller-town feel with access to a slightly larger market.

---

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math. A $49,590 salary breaks down to approximately $4,132 per month before taxes. In Vermont, you’re looking at a combined federal, state, and FICA tax rate of roughly 20-25% for this income bracket. After taxes, your take-home pay will be closer to $3,100 - $3,300 per month.

Now, factor in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Essex Junction is $1,250/month. The city’s Cost of Living Index is 100.0, meaning it’s right on par with the national average. This is a critical point: you’re not paying a premium for location, but you’re also not getting a discount.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a welder earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes from a Local
Rent (1BR)	$1,250	This is the current market rate. Shared housing can cut this significantly.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, heating (a must in VT winters), and water.
Groceries	$350 - $450	Slightly higher than national average; Shop at Price Chopper or Hannaford for best value.
Transportation	$200 - $300	Gas for commuting (most drive), insurance. A reliable car is non-negotiable here.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Highly variable; some employers offer good plans, others may not.
Misc./Savings	$400 - $600	This is where you feel the squeeze. After taxes, rent, and essentials, disposable income is modest.

Can you afford to buy a home?
With a take-home pay of ~$3,200 and essential expenses of ~$2,350 (mid-range), you’re left with about $850/month. The median home price in Essex Junction is around $400,000. A 20% down payment is $80,000. A mortgage on $320,000 at current rates would be roughly $2,000/month, plus property taxes ($6,000+/year) and insurance. Bottom line: On a single median welder’s income, buying a home alone in Essex Junction is a significant challenge. It becomes feasible with dual income, a larger down payment, or moving to a more rural part of Chittenden County where prices dip slightly.

---

Where the Jobs Are: Essex Junction's Major Employers

The job market here is built on a foundation of specialized manufacturing and public works. You won’t find giant factories; you’ll find companies that rely on precision and quality. Here are the key players and hiring trends.

1. Eaton Corporation (South Burlington): A global power management company with a significant operation in the Burlington metro. They have a dedicated hydraulics and fabrication division. They hire for production welders, often for custom components. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on experienced TIG welders for aerospace and industrial applications. They value AWS certifications highly.

2. GlobalFoundries (formerly IBM) (Essex Junction): The semiconductor fab is a major employer, though not directly hiring welders for the chip-making process. They have a vast facilities and maintenance department that employs welders for infrastructure, piping, and support systems. Hiring Trend: More sporadic, but these are coveted union jobs with excellent pay and benefits. Watch for openings on their career portal.

3. Burlington International Airport (BIA) - Maintenance: The airport’s facilities team employs welders and metalworkers for maintaining airfield equipment, fences, and structures. It’s a public-sector-adjacent role. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings typically listed on the State of Vermont jobs board. Good for those seeking government benefits.

4. Local Machine Shops & Fabricators: Smaller shops like Burlington Steel Works or Precision Machining & Fabrication in neighboring Williston are the lifeblood of the trade. They do contract work for everything from agricultural equipment to architectural metalwork. Hiring Trend: Very active for mid-career welders. The best way in is often to walk in with a resume and ask to speak to the shop foreman. Word-of-mouth is everything here.

5. The University of Vermont Facilities Department: UVM’s massive campus requires constant maintenance and fabrication. Their in-house team handles everything from railing repairs to custom lab equipment. Hiring Trend: Steady. These are competitive, unionized positions (often Local 882) that offer great benefits and a pension. Keep an eye on the UVM HR website.

6. Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans): While the main office is in Montpelier, their field operations cover Chittenden County. They hire welders for maintaining bridges, guardrails, and roadside infrastructure. Hiring Trend: State jobs with strong job security. Expect a civil service exam process.

Insider Tip: The real secret to finding work here isn’t just Indeed.com. Join the Vermont Metal Trades Association (if it exists) or local trade groups on LinkedIn. Many of the best jobs at small shops are never posted online; they’re filled through a network of tradespeople who know each other from past projects or union halls.

---

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont does not have a state-specific welding license. This is a common point of confusion. Instead, licensure is handled through certifications and trade-specific permits.

• AWS Certifications: This is your primary credential. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers certifications for specific processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) and materials. Most employers in Essex Junction will require at least an AWS Certified Welder (CWI) or entry-level certifications. The cost for a basic certification test is $250 - $500, depending on the test facility. The New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) in nearby East Greenwich, RI, or Welding Workforce LLC in Rutland, VT, are common testing locations. The timeline to get certified after training is about 1-2 months.
• State Permits: If you’re working on public infrastructure (bridges, pipelines), you may need a Vermont Public Works Contractor’s License. If your work involves pressure vessels (ASME code), you’ll need to qualify under an ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code stamp. These are employer-sponsored—you don’t get them on your own. The timeline to get a state contractor’s license is about 4-6 weeks after applying.
• Training Pathways: The fastest route is through a vocational program. Vermont Technical College (Williston campus) offers a Welding Technology certificate (1-year). Community College of Vermont (CCV) has Basic Welding courses. From zero to job-ready with certifications can take 6-12 months, depending on your pace and program selection.

Insider Tip: If you’re coming from out of state, get your AWS certifications before you move. It’s the universal language, and it immediately places you in the mid-career pay bracket, making the move more financially viable.

---

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Living in Essex Junction offers a few distinct vibes, all within a short drive of major employers. Commutes are easy by national standards—nothing is more than 20-25 minutes away.

1. Essex Junction Village: The heart of the town. Walkable to Main Street, parks, and the Essex Junction train station (Amtrak). You’re 5-10 minutes from GlobalFoundries or a 15-minute drive to South Burlington. Commute: Excellent. Lifestyle: Classic small-town New England. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR.

2. Five Corners / Route 15 Corridor: More suburban, with larger apartment complexes and single-family homes. Very convenient for commuters heading to Williston’s industrial parks or I-89. Commute: Easy access to highways. Lifestyle: Family-oriented, quieter. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR.

3. South Burlington (Near Airport): Close to BIA, UVM, and many corporate offices. A bit more expensive, but you’re in the thick of the job market. Commute: Under 10 minutes for many key employers. Lifestyle: More urban, with better amenities (restaurants, shopping). Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR.

4. Williston (East side of I-89): A prime location for access to the largest concentration of machine shops and suppliers. The commute to Essex Junction is 10-15 minutes. Commute: Excellent for manufacturing jobs. Lifestyle: Suburban/rural mix, more big-box stores. Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500 for a 1BR.

5. Colchester (near Malletts Bay): A more affordable option slightly north. You trade a longer commute (20-25 min to Essex Junction) for lower rent and lake access. Commute: Longer, but straightforward via I-89. Lifestyle: Lakeside living, more residential. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: For a welder, proximity to I-89 is golden. It’s the main artery connecting all the industrial hubs from Essex Junction to Williston and South Burlington. Living within 2 miles of an on-ramp saves you time and gas.

---

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 2% growth rate, upward mobility is about specialization and leadership, not industry expansion.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • TIG Welding (GTAW): The most valuable skill here. Used in aerospace (Eaton), food-grade piping, and art. Can command a $2-$5/hour premium over MIG welders.
  • Stainless Steel & Exotic Alloys: Essential for biotech (via suppliers) and food processing. +15-20% on base pay.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): A game-changer. Moving from a welder to an inspector/quality control role can push you into the $65,000-$80,000 range. The AWS CWI exam is challenging and costly (~$1,500), but it’s the single best investment for long-term growth.
  • Leadership: Becoming a shop foreman or lead fabricator. This requires soft skills—scheduling, mentoring, client communication—on top of technical excellence.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Production Welder → Certified Welder (AWS) → Lead Welder
  2. Welder → Welding Technician (operating CNC plasma/laser cutters)
  3. Welder → CWI (Quality Assurance/Control)
  4. Welder → Entrepreneur (Starting a small fab shop—high risk, high reward in a niche market)

• 10-Year Outlook: The field will remain stable but competitive. The 2% growth means you’ll be competing for a small number of openings. The key differentiator will be a portfolio of certifications and a clean driving record (for mobile repair jobs). The rise of automation means welders who can program and operate robotic welding cells will be in the highest demand. Expect a continued need for skilled hands-on welders for custom, one-off, or repair work that robots can’t handle.

---

The Verdict: Is Essex Junction Right for You?

Essex Junction offers a specific set of trade-offs. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a fantastic place to build a stable career.

Pros	Cons
Stable, Livable Wage: The $49,590 median salary provides a solid foundation for a single person or a family with dual income.	Limited Job Market: Only 21 jobs in the metro means you must be patient and flexible.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, with easy access to outdoor recreation (Lake Champlain, Green Mountains).	Flat Growth: The 2% 10-year outlook means career progression is slow and requires proactive specialization.
Low Commute Times: Everything is 15-20 minutes away. You spend less time in the car.	Competitive Housing: The $1,250 rent can be steep for a single-income household earning the median wage.
Four-Season Living: If you love winter sports and fall foliage, this is paradise.	Rural Social Scene: It’s not a bustling city. Your social life will revolve around work, community, and outdoor groups.
Union Presence: Strong in public works and some large employers, offering better benefits and pensions.	Harsh Winters: Can impact commute and require a reliable vehicle with good tires.

Final Recommendation:
Essex Junction is an excellent choice for an experienced welder (mid-career or above) seeking stability, a manageable pace of life, and outdoor access. It’s ideal for someone with a partner whose income can help with home ownership, or for a welder willing to live in an apartment or shared housing long-term. It is not ideal for new graduates expecting rapid career growth or high starting salaries. The market rewards patience, networking, and a commitment to continuous certification.

---

FAQs

1. I’m a newly certified welder. Is it worth moving to Essex Junction?
It’s a tough sell. With only 21 jobs and flat growth, entry-level openings are rare. If you have 2-3 years of solid experience and AWS certifications, your chances improve dramatically. Consider getting experience elsewhere first, or be prepared to work in a related trade (like machining) while you network for a welding role.

2. How important is it to specialize in TIG or Stainless Steel?
Critical. In a small market like Essex Junction, being a generalist MIG welder puts you in a crowded field. Specializing in TIG or stainless makes you a much rarer and more valuable asset, directly impacting your pay and job security.

3. What’s the best way to find a job before I move?
Start with the major employers listed above (Eaton, UVM,