Welder in Farmington Hills, MI

The Salary Picture: Where Farmington Hills Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. If you're a welder in Farmington Hills, MI, you're looking at a median salary of $49,292 per year, which breaks down to roughly $23.70 per hour. This is essentially on par with the national average of $49,590, meaning the local market pays competitively without a significant premium. The broader metro area has an estimated 165 jobs for welders, which is a modest but stable market for a city of its size.

The 10-year job growth for welders in the region is projected at 2%. This isn't a booming, high-growth field like tech, but it's also not in decline. It reflects a stable, industrial core that depends on manufacturing, construction, and automotive supply chains. For a skilled welder, that stability is often more valuable than volatile growth.

To break it down by experience level, consider this table. Note that these are generalized estimates based on the median as a baseline; your actual pay will depend heavily on certifications, specialty, and the specific employer.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.25 - $21.60	Basic certification, ability to follow blueprints, safety training.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$47,000 - $58,000	$22.60 - $27.88	AWS certifications (D1.1, D1.2), experience with multiple processes (MIG, TIG, Stick).
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $75,000+	$28.85 - $36.05+	Lead welder roles, specialized materials (aluminum, stainless), inspection skills (CWI).
Expert/Supervisor (15+ years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	$36.05 - $43.25+	Management, welding engineering tech, custom fabrication shop owner.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jump comes from specializing. A general MIG welder in a production shop might hit the median, but a certified TIG welder working on aerospace components or pipeline certified welders can see a 20-30% premium. The local market has a demand for these specialties.

How it compares to other Michigan cities:

• Detroit: Slightly higher median (~$52,000), but cost of living and commute challenges are greater.
• Grand Rapids: Similar median, with a stronger industrial base in furniture and medical device manufacturing.
• Flint: Lower median (~$46,000), reflecting the broader economic challenges of the region, but lower cost of living.
• Ann Arbor: Higher median (~$55,000), dominated by high-precision medical and research manufacturing, but extremely high cost of living.

Farmington Hills sits in a sweet spot: it's part of the massive Detroit metro industrial corridor (which truly drives the demand) without the urban core's highest costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real: your gross salary is one thing, your take-home pay is another. For a single filer with no dependents, claiming the standard deduction, the median salary of $49,292 results in an estimated annual net income (after federal and state taxes) of around $39,200. That’s about $3,267 per month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a welder in Farmington Hills earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (Take-Home)	$3,267	After federal, MI state (4.25%), and FICA taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,029	This is the city-wide average. You can find cheaper or more expensive options.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150 - $200	Highly variable by season (heating in MI winters).
Groceries	$300 - $400	Based on USDA moderate-cost plan for one adult.
Transportation	$250 - $350	Car payment, insurance, gas. Farmington Hills is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not fully covered by employer. Many skilled trades jobs offer good plans.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$638 - $838	This covers everything else: phone, internet, entertainment, and crucially, savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with careful planning. The median home price in Farmington Hills is approximately $375,000. For a conventional mortgage with 20% down ($75,000), you'd need a monthly mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) of around $1,800 - $1,900. This is roughly 55% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% rule and would be difficult on a single median income. However, if you have a partner with an income, or you advance to a senior role ($60,000+), a home purchase becomes much more feasible. Many welders in the area live in nearby suburbs like Redford or Livonia where home prices are slightly lower, or they buy with a spouse's income.

Where the Jobs Are: Farmington Hills's Major Employers

Farmington Hills is a hub for automotive suppliers, medical device manufacturing, and specialized metal fabrication. The jobs are there, but they're often in surrounding industrial parks rather than downtown. Here are some key local employers and trends:

1. AAM (American Axle & Manufacturing): A major player in driveline and metal forming. They have a significant presence in the Detroit metro. They hire welders and metal fabricators for their forged components. Hiring trend: Stable, with a focus on automation and efficiency. They look for welders who can work in a high-volume, process-driven environment.

2. Magna International (Various Divisions): Magna has multiple facilities in the surrounding areas (Auburn Hills, Novi). They are a global automotive supplier involved in body, chassis, and powertrain. Welders here work on prototypes, tooling, and production jigs. Hiring trend: Cyclical but strong, tied to new vehicle model launches. They value welders with experience in aluminum and advanced high-strength steels.

3. BorgWarner Inc.: While their global HQ is in Auburn Hills, their operations are throughout the region. They focus on powertrain components. Welders here may work on specialty systems. Hiring trend: Growing in the EV (electric vehicle) components space, which requires new welding techniques and materials.

4. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (now Michigan Medicine - Farmington Hills): This is a major local employer. While not a manufacturing job, the hospital's facilities, maintenance, and biomedical engineering departments employ welders for custom fabrication, repairs, and medical equipment modifications. This is a niche but stable sector.

5. BorgWarner Inc.: While their global HQ is in Auburn Hills, their operations are throughout the region. They focus on powertrain components. Welders here may work on specialty systems. Hiring trend: Growing in the EV (electric vehicle) components space, which requires new welding techniques and materials.

6. Local Fabrication Shops (e.g., Detroit Metal Fabricators, Midwest Tool & Die Network): The area is dotted with smaller, custom shops. These are often the best places for welders who enjoy variety and problem-solving. They serve the automotive, construction, and artistic industries. Hiring trend: Constant need for skilled hands, especially for TIG and custom work. Word-of-mouth and local reputation are key here.

Hiring Trend Summary: The market is stable but competitive. Employers are increasingly looking for welders with formal certifications (AWS) and experience with robotics or CNC plasma cutting. The shift towards EVs and lightweight materials (aluminum, composites) is creating demand for welders who can adapt. Networking through local unions (like the International Association of Machinists) or trade schools is highly effective.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan does not require a state license for welders to practice. However, certification is everything. Most employers will require or strongly prefer certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS).

State-Specific Requirements:

• No state license is needed.
• Pressure Welding (for boilers, pipelines) requires certification from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) and is often overseen by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This is a specialized path.
• Structural Welding for buildings and bridges often requires certification to specific codes (like AWS D1.1) and sometimes third-party inspection.

Costs & Timeline:

• AWS Certification Test: A single-process certification test (e.g., MIG on plate) typically costs $150 - $300 for the test itself. Many community colleges include testing as part of their program.
• Welding Program at a Local School: A 1-2 year certificate or associate degree from Washtenaw Community College or Schoolcraft College (both within commuting distance) costs $5,000 - $15,000 in tuition and fees. This is the recommended path for beginners.
• Timeline: For someone starting from scratch, expect a 2-year timeline to complete a formal program, gain hands-on experience, and earn multiple AWS certifications. If you're already a welder, you can get certified in a new process in a matter of weeks or months by taking a focused course and test.

Insider Tip: The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is a major career booster. It requires significant experience (5+ years) but can double your salary potential. It’s a long-term goal for senior welders in the area.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Farmington Hills is a large, suburban city. Where you live affects your commute to industrial parks, which are often in Novi, Livonia, or Southfield. Here are a few options:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Welder
Downtown Farmington	Walkable, charming, but more residential. Commute to industrial areas (Novi, Livonia) is 15-25 mins.	$1,200 - $1,500	Good for those who want a town feel. Closer to restaurants and shops for downtime.
North Farmington	Quiet, established suburban neighborhoods. Close to Haggerty Corridor industrial parks. Commute: 10-20 mins.	$1,000 - $1,300	Excellent location for many manufacturing jobs. Lower traffic than other routes.
South Farmington/North of 8 Mile	More affordable, mix of older and newer homes. Commute to jobs in Livonia or Redford: 15-30 mins.	$900 - $1,200	Good balance of cost and access. You're closer to I-96 for flexibility.
Near Novi (Off I-96)	Technically in Novi, but adjacent to Farmington Hills. Many big employers (Magna, suppliers) are here. Commute: 5-15 mins.	$1,100 - $1,400	Top choice for minimizing commute. Slightly pricier, but saves on gas and time.
Redford Township (West)	Not Farmington Hills, but a direct neighbor. Significantly lower rent and home prices. Commute: 20-35 mins.	$800 - $1,000	The budget-friendly option. Many welders live here and commute into the Farmington Hills/Novi corridor.

Insider Tip: Avoid the I-696 corridor during rush hour if you can. The traffic from the east (Royal Oak, St. Clair Shores) into Farmington Hills can add 30+ minutes to a commute. Living west of your job (e.g., in Redford, if your job is in Novi) can mean a reverse commute that's faster.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 2% 10-year growth figure tells you this isn't a field where you'll see massive expansion, but advancement is about specialization and moving up.

Specialty Premiums:

• TIG Welder (Aluminum/Stainless): Can command a 10-20% premium over the median. Critical for aerospace, food processing, and high-end automotive.
• Pipeline/Structural Welder (AWS D1.1): Premiums of 15-25%. These jobs are often project-based and can involve travel.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): This is a career shift. Salary jumps to $70,000 - $90,000+. You move from production to quality assurance.
• Robotic Welding Technician: As automation grows, welders who can program and maintain robotic cells are in high demand, with salaries matching or exceeding senior welder pay.

Advancement Paths:

1. Production Welder -> Lead Welder -> Welding Supervisor/Foreman. This is the traditional path, requiring leadership and scheduling skills.
2. Welder -> Fabricator -> Custom Shop Owner. Many skilled welders in the area eventually start their own small shops, serving local contractors and artists.
3. Welder -> CWI -> Quality Manager. A path for those with an eye for detail and documentation.

10-Year Outlook: The local market will remain stable, anchored by automotive and its supply chain. The biggest shift will be the adoption of EV manufacturing, which requires new welding techniques (e.g., dissimilar metal joining). Welders who proactively train in these areas will have the best job security and mobility. The presence of the Auto Suppliers Association and trade shows in Detroit provides ample networking and learning opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Farmington Hills Right for You?

Farmington Hills offers a stable, well-paying environment for welders, especially those who value suburban living with easy access to a major industrial hub.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by the massive Detroit automotive and manufacturing ecosystem.	Low Growth: Only 2% 10-year growth, meaning competition for the best jobs is steady.
Competitive Pay: $49,292 median is on par with the national average.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited for industrial commutes.
Manageable Cost of Living: Index of 98.0 (US avg=100). Rent and home prices are reasonable for the region.	Weather: Michigan winters are long, cold, and snowy, which can affect commutes and outdoor work.
Suburban Lifestyle: Good schools, parks, and amenities without big-city chaos.	Limited "Scene": It's a family-oriented suburb, not a bustling city for nightlife.
Access to Specialization: Proximity to Detroit means you can find work in almost any welding specialty.	Union Density Varies: The area has both union and non-union shops; research is needed to find your fit.

Final Recommendation: Farmington Hills is an excellent choice for mid-career welders with a few years of experience who want to settle in a stable, affordable suburb with strong earning potential. It's also a good place for entry-level welders to find apprenticeships or start in a production role. For senior welders, the path to $70,000+ is clear through specialization and inspection. If you're looking for rapid growth or a vibrant urban culture, look to Detroit proper or Ann Arbor, but be prepared for higher costs. For a balanced, practical career move, Farmington Hills is a strong bet.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Farmington Hills to work there?
A: No, but it's convenient. Many welders live in neighboring cities like Livonia, Redford, or Novi to save on rent while keeping the commute under 30 minutes.

Q: Is the job market for welders in Farmington Hills competitive?
A: It's competitive for the best-paying jobs (specialty, union shops). There's steady demand for production welders, but you'll need certifications and a solid resume to stand out. Networking at local trade schools or through the Detroit-based AWS Section is key.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for welders in this area?
A: Stagnation in the job market. With only 2% growth, moving up often means switching companies or investing in new certifications. You can't expect the field to create many new openings; you have to be proactive about your skills.

Q: Are there union jobs available?
A: Yes. The International Association of Machinists (IAM) and United Auto Workers (UAW) have locals that cover some manufacturing facilities in the region. Union jobs often come with higher wages and better benefits but may have stricter entry requirements. Check with the local union halls for apprenticeship programs.

Q: How important is a driver's license?
A: Essential. Most industrial employers are in business parks not served by public transit. A reliable car is non-negotiable. Factor in gas, insurance