Welder in Lynn, MA

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the job market across Massachusetts, I can tell you that Lynn is a city of contrasts. It’s got a gritty, industrial past and a future tied to offshore wind and advanced manufacturing, all while sitting in the shadow of Boston’s hyper-competitive economy. For welders, this creates a unique landscape—not the booming, wide-open market of some sunbelt cities, but a stable, modest opportunity with a very specific cost of living profile.

This guide is for the welder who wants the real picture, not the brochure version. We’ll use hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Massachusetts State Board of Building Regulations and Standards, and local industry intelligence to break down exactly what a career in welding in Lynn looks like, from your first paycheck to your long-term prospects.

The Salary Picture: Where Lynn Stands

Let’s start with the numbers, because they tell the most honest story. The median annual salary for a welder in the Lynn metropolitan area is $51,315/year. This breaks down to a median hourly wage of $24.67/hour. It’s important to understand this is a median, meaning half of all welders in the area make more, and half make less.

The national average for welders sits at $49,590/year, so Lynn is slightly above the national average—a common trait for Massachusetts cities, but not by a dramatic margin. The area has a total of 202 welding jobs, indicating a concentrated, but not enormous, market. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is a modest 2%, which points to stability and replacement needs rather than explosive growth.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential over a career, here’s a typical breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local hiring trends and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $45,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$48,000 - $58,000
Senior	8-15 years	$55,000 - $65,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$60,000 - $75,000+

Insider Tip: The ceiling in this range is where specialization becomes critical. A general structural welder will hover near the median, but a welder certified in advanced processes for shipbuilding or aerospace can push into the high end of the senior category. The 2% growth rate means employers are often hiring to replace retirees, not to expand, so seasoned professionals with the right certs have an edge.

When you compare Lynn to other major Massachusetts cities, the context shifts. Boston’s median is closer to $54,000, but the cost of living is drastically higher. Worcester’s median is similar to Lynn’s, but with a slightly lower cost of living. Springfield offers a slightly lower median salary but also significantly lower rent. Lynn sits in a middle ground: better pay than many smaller MA towns, but with a cost of living that’s manageable compared to the Boston metro core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you subtract your fixed costs. In Lynn, the biggest variable is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,064/month. The city’s Cost of Living Index is 111.6, meaning it’s 11.6% more expensive than the U.S. average. For a welder earning the median salary of $51,315, this creates a specific financial reality.

Let’s break down a monthly budget. This assumes a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and Massachusetts state income tax (5%).

• Gross Monthly Pay (before taxes): $4,276
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after federal, state, FICA): ~$3,350 (This is an estimate; actual take-home depends on benefits, 401k contributions, etc.)
• Rent (1BR Average): $2,064
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: $1,286

This leaves room for a modest but disciplined lifestyle. Utilities (electric, gas, internet) for an apartment might run $150-$200. Groceries for one person can be $300-$400. A monthly MBTA LinkPass (for commuting to jobs outside Lynn) is $90. Car insurance, if you have a vehicle, is a major cost in Massachusetts (often $150-$250/month). After these essentials, discretionary spending and savings are tight.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a significant challenge. The median home price in Lynn is approximately $475,000. A 20% down payment is $95,000. With a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, the monthly payment would likely exceed $2,800, which is unsustainable on a single median welder’s income without a dual-income household or substantial savings. The more realistic path to homeownership for a median-earning welder in Lynn is either buying a multi-family property (a common local strategy) to generate rental income or moving to a more affordable neighboring town like Revere or Saugus after building equity and savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Lynn's Major Employers

Lynn’s welding job market is heavily tied to its maritime and industrial base. The days of the giant General Electric plant are gone, but the city’s identity is still forged by metal. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Bath Iron Works (BIW): Located just north in Bath, Maine, but a massive employer for Lynn residents willing to commute. BIW builds destroyers for the U.S. Navy. They have a constant need for welders, especially those with experience in shipbuilding (MIG, TIG, and flux-cored). Hiring is cyclical based on government contracts, but the work is steady and often unionized (IBEW). Insider Tip: Many Lynn-based welders make this 70-minute commute. The pay is often at the high end of the local scale.

2. General Dynamics Electric Boat: Similar to BIW, this company builds submarines in Groton, CT, and Quonset, RI. It’s another major defense contractor that draws from the Lynn talent pool. They offer rigorous training programs and have a strong emphasis on precision welding.

3. Fore River Shipyard (in Quincy): A historic shipyard that’s seen a resurgence. It’s closer than BIW and works on a variety of commercial and government vessels. They hire structural and production welders regularly.

4. Local Machine Shops & Fabricators: Scattered throughout Lynn and nearby Chelsea and Saugus are dozens of smaller shops (e.g., Lynn Fabrication, Kingston Metal Products). These businesses serve local industries, from construction to food processing equipment. They are a great source of entry-level jobs and offer a more varied work environment than shipyards.

5. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): The MBTA’s maintenance facilities in Lynn and Boston employ welders to maintain and repair the commuter rail fleet, subway cars, and buses. These are stable, union jobs with excellent benefits, but openings are infrequent and competitive.

6. Offshore Wind Supply Chain: This is the emerging opportunity. Companies like Vineyard Wind and Orsted are developing supply chains for turbines. While the direct manufacturing isn’t in Lynn yet, local fabrication shops are bidding on contracts for components. This is a growth area to watch for the next 5-10 years.

Hiring Trends: The market is not on fire, but it’s consistent. The 2% growth is driven by retirees. Most hiring is for experienced welders with specific certifications. Entry-level positions are available, often through apprenticeships or temp-to-perm arrangements at smaller shops.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts does not require a state-specific license to be a welder. This is a critical distinction. However, certification is everything. Employers will not hire you without proof of your skills.

• The Standard: The American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are the industry standard. The most common is the AWS Certified Welder (CW) credential, tested to specific procedures (e.g., D1.1 for structural steel). You can get these certifications through accredited testing facilities.
• Where to Get Certified: In the region, you can go to trade schools like North Shore Community College (Danvers campus) or Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (Boston). There are also private testing centers. Costs vary but expect $200-$500 for a basic certification test.
• Specialized Certs: For shipbuilding or aerospace, you’ll need additional AWS certifications (like D1.5 for bridges) or manufacturer-specific credentials. These are often provided on the job but having them upfront makes you a more attractive candidate.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, a 6-month to 1-year welding program is typical. If you already have experience, you can schedule a certification test within a few weeks. There are no mandatory continuing education requirements in MA for welders, but keeping certifications current is a professional necessity.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Lynn affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of 4-5 key areas.

1. West Lynn (Fayettere/Highlands): This is the residential heart of Lynn. You’ll find more single-family homes and quieter streets. Commuting to local shops in Lynn or Saugus is easy via Route 107 or 129. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $1,800-$1,900/month. Ideal for a welder with a family who wants a more suburban feel within the city.

2. East Lynn (Point of Pines/Red Rock): Closer to the water and Nahant, this area is becoming increasingly popular. Commuting to Boston or the North Shore via the MBTA Commuter Rail (Lynn Station) is straightforward. It’s more walkable but has higher rent, averaging $2,000-$2,200/month for a 1BR. Good for welders who value a commute by train and easy access to beaches.

3. Downtown Lynn: The urban core is revitalizing, with new restaurants and apartments. It’s the best spot if you work at a downtown shop or want to minimize your commute. Rent can be similar to East Lynn ($1,900-$2,100), but you get more of a city vibe. Parking can be a challenge.

4. Saugus & Revere (Adjacent Towns): Don’t limit your search to Lynn proper. Saugus and Revere offer similar or slightly lower rents (a 1BR can be found for $1,700-$1,900) and are just a short drive away. Saugus has a lot of commercial and industrial parks, meaning you might find a job and an apartment in the same town, slashing your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth forecast of only 2%, vertical advancement within the same company is the primary path. Here’s how welders in Lynn can increase their earnings and job security:

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. A welder with a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential from AWS can move into quality control, often with a 20-30% pay increase. Specializing in stainless steel TIG welding for food/beverage or pharmaceutical equipment (common in the Boston metro) commands higher rates. Underwater welding is a niche but lucrative field, though it requires additional training and is physically demanding.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Welder/Fabricator: Overseeing a small team in a shop.
  2. Welding Supervisor: Managing workflow, safety, and quality for a larger crew, common in shipyards.
  3. Welding Engineer/CWI: Requires further education (often a 4-year degree) but moves you out of the field and into a salaried position.
  4. Business Owner: Many experienced welders in MA eventually start their own small fabrication or repair shops, leveraging their network from years of local work.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable, not booming. The 2% growth means the market won’t be flooded with new jobs. However, the push for domestic manufacturing and the offshore wind industry present potential catalysts. A welder who invests in certifications related to renewable energy or advanced composites could be well-positioned for the next decade. The key is to never stop learning. A welder who is the same worker in 10 years will see minimal wage growth. One who adds 3-4 new certifications will have significantly more options.

The Verdict: Is Lynn Right for You?

Lynn is a pragmatic choice for a welder, not a dream destination. It offers a stable job market with a cost of living that, while high, is more manageable than Boston. It’s a city for someone who wants to work hard, build a career, and maybe someday buy a home, but who understands that the path requires careful financial planning and continuous skill development.

Pros	Cons
Slightly above-national-average salary for welders.	High cost of living, especially rent.
Proximity to major defense contractors (BIW, Electric Boat).	Modest 2% job growth; competitive for entry-level roles.
No state-specific welding license required.	Homeownership is a major challenge on a single median income.
Emerging opportunities in offshore wind supply chain.	Heavy traffic on routes like I-95 and Route 1A for commutes.
Access to MBTA for commutes to Boston/Cambridge.	Older housing stock can mean higher utility costs.

Final Recommendation: Lynn is a strong contender for a mid-career welder with 3-7 years of experience who is looking to leverage their skills in a stable, industrial market. It’s less ideal for a brand-new apprentice unless they have a confirmed apprenticeship lined up, due to the tight budget. The city rewards those who specialize and are willing to commute to nearby shipyards. If you’re a self-starter who values a solid, blue-collar career with a path to advancement, Lynn deserves a serious look.

FAQs

1. I’m an entry-level welder. Will I find a job in Lynn?
Yes, but it won’t be easy. The 202 jobs in the metro are mostly for experienced welders. Your best bet is to target smaller fabricators and machine shops in Lynn, Saugus, and Chelsea. Consider enrolling in a local welding program where they have job placement assistance. Be prepared to start at a lower wage (around $38,000-$42,000) and prove your skills.

2. How important is a driver’s license in Lynn?
Extremely important. While you can live in Lynn and commute to Boston by train, most welding jobs are in industrial parks or shipyards that aren’t accessible by public transit. Having a reliable car is a practical necessity for accessing the best job opportunities in the region.

3. Is the cost of living really as high as they say?
Yes. The 111.6 Cost of Living Index is accurate. The biggest shock for newcomers is rent and auto insurance. The $2,064/month average for a 1BR is real. Budgeting strictly from day one is crucial. Many welders in the area have roommates or live in Revere/Saugus to manage costs.

4. What’s the best way to get my first AWS certification?
If you have zero experience, a 6-month program at a community college is the most reliable path. If you have some experience (e.g., from a military background or a shop job), you can pay for a "test-out" session at an accredited test facility. Search for "AWS testing facility near Lynn, MA" to find options. Practice on the specific test plates beforehand.

5. Are there union opportunities?
Yes. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 has a large presence in the Boston area, which includes Lynn. They represent welders at some shipyards and large contractors. Union jobs typically offer higher wages, better benefits, and pensions. Getting into an apprenticeship is competitive, but it’s a viable long-term career path.