Welder in Johnson City, TN

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Welders considering a move to Johnson City, TN.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Johnson City Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Johnson City isn't a high-cost, high-wage metro like Nashville or Chattanooga. It’s a steady, practical market. For welders, the financial picture is defined by a lower cost of living, which stretches your dollar further, even if the gross salary is slightly below the national benchmark.

The median salary for a Welder in Johnson City is $47,938/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.05/hour. It’s important to contextualize this: the national average for the occupation is $49,590/year. You’re not losing much on the national stage, but you’re gaining significantly on the cost-of-living front. The metro area supports an estimated 146 welding jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 2%. This isn’t a booming, explosive market; it’s a stable, consistent one.

Here’s how that median salary typically breaks down by experience level. Note that these are local estimates based on the median and common industry progression.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.25 - $20.20
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.65 - $25.00
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$53,000 - $60,000	$25.50 - $28.85
Expert/Supervisor (15+ yrs)	$62,000+	$29.80+

Insider Tip: The upper end of these ranges is often found in specialized roles (e.g., certified pipe welders for high-pressure systems) or with a federal security clearance, which is a significant asset in this region due to nearby Oak Ridge and defense contractors.

How Johnson City Compares to Other Tennessee Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Driver
Johnson City	$47,938	88.9	Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education
Nashville	$52,100	101.3	Construction, Automotive, Music
Chattanooga	$49,200	90.5	Automotive, Manufacturing
Knoxville	$48,800	92.1	Oak Ridge, Manufacturing
Memphis	$47,500	84.1	Logistics, Manufacturing

As you can see, Johnson City’s salary is competitive with Memphis and Knoxville, but its cost of living (88.9) is significantly lower than Nashville (101.3). You might make more in Music City, but you’ll spend much more on housing and daily expenses. Johnson City offers a balanced, affordable entry into the Tennessee job market for skilled trades.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What does a median salary of $47,938/year actually mean for your monthly budget in Johnson City?

Assuming a single filer with no dependents (using federal tax estimates for 2024), your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Tennessee’s 0% state income tax would be approximately:

• Annual Take-Home: ~$40,500
• Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,375

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Median-Earning Welder

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,375	After taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$870	The city-wide average
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas)	$180	Varies by season (higher in summer/winter)
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assuming a moderate car loan/insurance
Groceries & Household	$400	For one person
Fuel & Transportation	$200	Depends on commute distance
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Estimate for a marketplace plan
Savings & Miscellaneous	$975	This is your surplus

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, with careful planning. The median home price in the Johnson City metro is around $250,000 - $270,000. A 20% down payment ($50,000-$54,000) is a high bar, but FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down (~$8,750-$9,450). Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,400 and $1,600, which is higher than rent but doable on this salary if you have minimal other debt. Many local welders I know live in Gray or Jonesborough for more space and a slightly longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Johnson City's Major Employers

The welding job market here is diverse, leaning into manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure. It’s not dominated by one giant plant, which can be both a pro (diversity) and a con (fewer massive employers). Here are the key players:

1. East Tennessee Metals (ETM): A major steel service center in Johnson City. They handle fabricated metal products and are a steady source of welding jobs, from production to maintenance. They look for MIG and TIG welders, often for structural components.
2. Ballad Health (Regional Health System): This isn’t a welding job in the traditional sense, but the massive healthcare network has a dedicated facilities maintenance and construction team. They hire welders for hospital renovations, medical gas line work, and ongoing facility upkeep. It’s a stable, year-round employer with great benefits.
3. The City of Johnson City & Washington County: Municipalities are often overlooked employers. They hire welders for public works—repairing water/sewer lines, municipal vehicle maintenance, and infrastructure projects. The pay is public-sector steady, and the benefits are top-tier.
4. Mountain Empire Machinery: A specialized employer dealing with heavy equipment and machinery. They need welders for repairs and fabrication, often requiring more advanced skills like stick welding or flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).
5. Eastman Chemical Company (Kingsport): Located just a 15-minute drive west in Kingsport, Eastman is a global chemical manufacturer with a massive footprint. Their need for welders is high, particularly for pipe welding on high-pressure systems. This is where you find the highest-paying jobs in the region, often requiring specific certifications (ASME Section IX) and sometimes a security clearance.
6. Local Fabrication Shops: There are numerous smaller shops (e.g., custom trailer builders, agricultural equipment repair) that offer varied work. They may not have the name recognition, but they often provide a broader range of experience and can be a great place to build a portfolio.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. There’s a steady demand for maintenance welders as existing infrastructure ages. The biggest growth area is in specialized, certified welding for industrial and energy projects. General production welding jobs exist but are less common than a decade ago.

Getting Licensed in TN

This is a common point of confusion. In Tennessee, you do not need a state-level license to be a welder. Your qualifications are proven through certifications, not a state card.

1. The Key Certification: The most recognized credential is from the American Welding Society (AWS). Their Certified Welder program is what most local employers look for. It’s a performance-based test on specific procedures (e.g., GMAW on carbon steel plate, GTAW on stainless steel pipe).
2. Cost and Timeline: An AWS certification test typically costs between $300 and $600 per qualification, depending on the testing facility. In Johnson City, you’ll likely test at a local trade school (like Northeast State Community College in Blountville, a 30-minute drive) or through a third-party testing agency. You can prepare for the test in a few months through a certificate program or on-the-job training.
3. Specialized Requirements: If you want to work on high-pressure pipe (common at Eastman or in power plants), you’ll need an ASME Section IX qualification. This is more stringent and often requires specific training. For union apprenticeships (like with the United Association), you’ll need to pass an aptitude test and interview.

Insider Tip: Even though there’s no state license, OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry certification is often required by employers for on-site safety. Many employers will pay for this. Having it on your resume before you apply is a huge advantage.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Your choice of neighborhood will depend on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. North Johnson City / Gray (East Side of Town):

   • Commute: Excellent. You’re close to major employers like ETM, Ballad Health’s main campus, and the industrial areas off I-26.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, suburban, family-friendly. More space for your money.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month for a 1BR or small house. More affordable than downtown.

2. Downtown Johnson City:

   • Commute: Walkable/bikeable to the city center, but may require a short drive (10-15 mins) to industrial plants.
   • Lifestyle: Energetic, historic, with cafes, breweries, and a growing arts scene. Ideal for younger welders who want a social life after work.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month. Premium for location and older, charm-filled apartments.

3. South Johnson City / Telford (Heading toward Erwin):

   • Commute: Good for employers on the south side, like some smaller fabricators. A longer commute (20-25 mins) to northern employers.
   • Lifestyle: More rural feel, lower density. Good for those who want a quieter, country-like setting without being too far from the city.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month. Often the most affordable option for a standalone apartment or small house.

4. Jonesborough (West Side):

   • Commute: A 15-minute drive to downtown Johnson City or the Kingsport industrial area. Can be longer during rush hour.
   • Lifestyle: Historic (oldest town in TN), very charming, with a strong sense of community. A great option if you value small-town character.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month. Limited inventory, so act fast.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Johnson City is minimal. A 15-20 minute commute is considered long by locals. Prioritize neighborhoods based on your lifestyle, not just commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A welder’s career in Johnson City has a clear ladder. The key is specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Pipe Welding (ASME Certified): Can add $5-10/hour to your base wage. This is the path to the highest pay (potentially $30+/hour).
  • Stainless Steel / Exotic Metals: More complex, cleaner work. Often found in medical or food-grade manufacturing.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): This AWS credential moves you from the booth to the oversight role. It pays a premium and is in high demand for quality assurance in manufacturing and construction.
  • Underwater Welding: While not local (requires travel to coastal areas), it’s a known career path for adventurous welders.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Welder → Lead Welder → Shop Foreman: The traditional management path in a fabrication shop.
  2. Welder → Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): The technical/quality control path.
  3. Welder → Pipefitter/Welding Technician (Union): Joining a union (UA Local 538 covers East TN) opens doors to large-scale industrial projects with excellent benefits and pensions.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 2% job growth, don’t expect a flood of new roles. Growth will come from replacement (retirements) and the expansion of specialized niches. The energy sector (pipelines, chemical plants) will remain a key driver. Investing in certifications (AWS, ASME, CWI) is the only way to outpace the general market growth.

The Verdict: Is Johnson City Right for You?

Johnson City offers a stable, affordable foundation for a welding career. It’s not a place for quick riches, but for building a solid, comfortable life with a skilled trade.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited High-Paying Jobs: Fewer mega-employers than in Nashville or Memphis.
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and public works.	Slower Career Growth: 2% job growth means you must actively specialize to advance.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Compared to big cities, it’s quieter (a pro for many).
Central Location: Easy access to Asheville, NC, and Knoxville, TN.	Specialized Training Access: Some advanced certs may require a commute to Kingsport or Knoxville.
Outdoor Recreation: Excellent for hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby Appalachian Mountains.

Final Recommendation: Johnson City is an excellent choice for welders who prioritize affordability, work-life balance, and a stable career over explosive growth and high-cost urban living. It’s ideal for mid-level welders looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply enjoy the outdoors without a long commute. If you’re a highly specialized welder (pipe, nuclear, aerospace), you’ll find opportunities, but you may need to commute to Kingsport or Oak Ridge for the highest premiums. For an entry-level welder, it’s a great place to gain experience without the intense pressure of a hyper-competitive market.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified before I move?
It’s highly recommended. An AWS certification makes you immediately hirable. You can get certified through a local trade school or at a testing facility. Without one, you’ll be limited to entry-level helper roles.

2. How is the job market for women welders?
It’s growing. While still a male-dominated field, companies like Ballad Health and Eastman have active diversity initiatives. The local trade schools report strong placement rates for all graduates. Networking with the local chapter of American Welding Society can be very helpful.

3. What’s the weather really like for welding?
Johnson City has four distinct seasons. Summers are humid (can be uncomfortable in a non-climate-controlled shop), and winters are cold but manageable. Most professional shops have ventilation and heating/cooling systems, but smaller shops may be less comfortable. Factor this into your job search.

4. Can I live here without a car?
It’s challenging. Public bus service exists but is limited, especially for industrial areas. A dependable vehicle is essential for commuting to most welding jobs and for exploring the region’s outdoor attractions.

5. Are there union opportunities?
Yes. United Association (UA) Local 538 covers pipefitters and welders in East Tennessee. Apprenticeships are competitive but offer structured training, higher pay, and excellent benefits. It’s worth looking into their application process if you’re interested in union work.