Welder in Quincy, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

If you're a welder weighing a move to Quincy, the first thing to understand is that you're stepping into a market that pays slightly above the national average, but is shaped by the broader, expensive Boston metro area. The median annual salary for a welder in Quincy is $51,315/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $24.67/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for welders is $49,590/year, so Quincy offers a modest premium. However, this figure is a median, meaning half of the welders here earn more, and half earn less. Your actual take-home pay will depend heavily on specialization, experience, and the specific industry you enter.

The job market isn't bursting at the seams, but it's stable. In the broader metro area (which includes Boston, Cambridge, and adjacent suburbs), there are approximately 203 welding jobs available. Over the next decade, the field is projected to see a 2% growth rate, which is modest but consistent, reflecting a steady demand for skilled tradespeople in a region with ongoing infrastructure, maritime, and manufacturing projects. Quincy itself, as part of the South Shore, serves as a commuting hub for many of these opportunities in Boston and its industrial corridors.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in this area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Quincy)	Key Factors
Entry-Level	$40,000 - $48,000	Apprenticeships, basic certifications, starting in production or general fabrication shops.
Mid-Career	$48,000 - $60,000	Specialized certifications (e.g., AWS certifications), experience with specific materials (stainless, aluminum), and reliability.
Senior	$60,000 - $75,000+	Supervisory roles, expertise in advanced processes (TIG, orbital welding), and work in high-stakes industries like aerospace or nuclear.
Expert	$75,000 - $90,000+	Master welder status, niche specializations (underwater, pipeline), or roles in R&D and quality control for major manufacturers.

When compared to other Massachusetts cities, Quincy sits in a middle ground. It's more affordable than Boston, Cambridge, or Waltham, where salaries might be higher but cost of living is significantly steeper. Conversely, it's more expensive than cities like Worcester or Springfield. For a welder, this can be a strategic sweet spot: you can access Boston-area employers without the premium price tag of living in the city core. Many welders live in Quincy and commute to jobs in Everett, Chelsea, or the Seaport District, which are within a 30-45 minute drive.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. The $51,315 figure is a starting point. Welders in the maritime sector (working on shipyards in nearby Boston or Chelsea) or in specialized nuclear or aerospace roles at companies like GE Aviation (in Lynn) can significantly outperform this median, often starting in the mid-$60k range with experience.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about the math. A salary of $51,315/year breaks down to about $4,276/month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer without dependents would likely take home around $3,200 to $3,400 per month, depending on deductions. The major variable in your budget, however, is rent.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Quincy is $2,377/month. This is higher than the national average but typical for the Boston metro. The Cost of Living Index for Quincy is 111.6, meaning it's 11.6% more expensive than the U.S. average. Here’s what a monthly budget might look like for a welder earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,300	After taxes, based on $51,315/year
Rent (1BR)	-$2,377	Average for Quincy; can be lower in specific neighborhoods
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$150	Varies by season; winter heating can spike costs
Groceries	-$350	Conservative estimate for a single person
Transportation (Gas/Insurance/MBTA)	-$200	Assuming a car commute; public transit pass is $90/month
Health Insurance (if not employer-covered)	-$200	High estimate; many employers offer plans
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	-$150
Remaining	-$127	This budget is extremely tight.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $51,315 salary, buying a home in Quincy is a significant challenge. The median home price in Quincy is approximately $650,000. A 20% down payment would be $130,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $3,500/month, which is unsustainable on this salary. Most welders in this income bracket in Quincy rent or consider buying in more affordable towns further south (like Braintree, Weymouth, or Brockton) where prices drop by 15-25%. Building equity through homeownership is a long-term goal that may require dual-income households or significant career advancement to a senior welder salary.

Insider Tip: Many welders in Quincy opt for multi-bedroom apartments with roommates or partners to split the rent, which can bring housing costs down to a more manageable $1,200-$1,500/month. This is a common strategy for tradespeople in the area.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy itself is not a major industrial hub, but its location makes it a prime residential base for welders working in the broader region. The real employment centers are in the surrounding areas, easily accessible via I-93, Route 128, or the Red Line. Here are the key employers and sectors to target:

1. General Dynamics Electric Boat (Quincy & Groton, CT): While the main shipyard is in Groton, Electric Boat has a significant presence in Quincy, including design and engineering facilities. They are a top employer for welders specializing in naval nuclear submarine construction. This is high-precision, high-stakes work that commands top pay and offers robust training programs. Hiring is cyclical but steady, tied to federal defense contracts.

2. Boston Shipyard & Drydock (Boston/Chelsea): Located just across the harbor, this is one of the largest shipyards on the East Coast. They handle commercial and government vessel repair and construction. Welders here work on everything from cruise ships to Coast Guard cutters. The work is physically demanding and often involves overtime, which can boost annual earnings by 10-20%.

3. Wyman-Gordon (Grafton, MA - ~45 min drive): A premier manufacturer of forged metal components for aerospace (GE Aviation, Boeing) and power generation. They employ welders for specialized fabrication and repair of large, complex parts. This is a high-tech environment that values AWS certifications and experience with exotic alloys.

4. Local Fabrication Shops (Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree): Quincy is dotted with smaller, family-owned fabrication shops that serve local construction, marine, and industrial clients. Companies like South Shore Metalworks or Quincy Fabrication often hire welders for custom projects. These jobs offer a more varied workday and direct client interaction but may have less structured benefits than large corporations.

5. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): The MBTA's maintenance facilities in Quincy (e.g., the Cabot Yard in South Boston is nearby) employ welders for the repair and fabrication of subway cars, buses, and rail equipment. These are stable, unionized jobs with excellent benefits and pensions, though hiring can be competitive.

6. Local Infrastructure & Construction: The constant development in the Seaport, airport expansion at Logan, and public works projects create demand for welders in structural steel erection and pipeline work. Companies like Cianbro or Suffolk Construction often have welding needs on large-scale projects.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. General MIG welding jobs are common but competitive. The highest demand is for welders with AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel) and ASME Section IX (Pressure Vessel) certifications. Experience with GTAW (TIG) is a major advantage, especially in aerospace and maritime. Many employers are actively seeking to fill roles for the aging workforce, creating opportunities for mid-career welders to step into supervisory positions.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts does not have a statewide journeyman welder license, which simplifies the entry process compared to some states. However, certification is paramount for employability. The path is straightforward but requires dedication.

State-Specific Requirements:

• No State License: You do not need a state-issued license to practice as a welder in Massachusetts.
• Certification is Key: Employers universally require certification from the American Welding Society (AWS). The most common is the AWS Certified Welder program based on a specific procedure (e.g., D1.1 for structural steel). This involves a practical welding test, which is typically administered by your employer or a testing facility.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: While not a welding-specific license, this safety certification is often a prerequisite for employment on construction sites and in manufacturing plants. It's a one-day course that costs around $50-$100.

Timeline and Costs to Get Started:

• Step 1: Training (6 months - 2 years): You can attend a vocational school, community college, or a union apprenticeship. Quincy College offers a Welding Technology certificate program. The Boston Union of Plumbers and Pipefitters (Local 537) has a pipe welding apprenticeship. A formal program can cost $5,000 - $15,000.
• Step 2: AWS Certification (1-2 months): Once you have the skills, you can schedule a certification test. Costs are typically $150 - $400 per test, depending on the procedure. Many employers will pay for this after you're hired.
• Step 3: Getting a Job (Timeline Varies): With a basic certificate and OSHA 10, you can apply for entry-level positions. Upskilling with additional AWS certifications (e.g., for aluminum, stainless) will make you a more competitive candidate.

Insider Tip: The most cost-effective and fastest path into the industry is often through a union apprenticeship. You earn while you learn, and upon completion, you have a journeyman's card, a set of certifications, and a direct pipeline to union jobs with strong benefits. The Local 537 apprenticeship is highly respected, though the application process is competitive.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Living in Quincy means balancing commute times, rent, and neighborhood character. As a welder, you'll likely be commuting by car to industrial areas, so highway access is crucial. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider:

1. South Quincy (Wollaston area):

   • Commute: Excellent. Direct access to I-93 and the Red Line at Wollaston Station. Easy drive to the shipyards in Boston/Chelsea (20-25 mins).
   • Lifestyle: Residential, with single-family homes and older apartment buildings. Close to Wollaston Beach and Marina Bay for downtime.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,100 - $2,400/month. Slightly more affordable than the city average.
   • Best For: Welders who want a quiet, residential feel with an easy commute.

2. Quincy Center:

   • Commute: Central hub. Red Line access, close to I-93. You can walk to many amenities.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, bustling. Full of restaurants, shops, and the new Hancock-Adams Common. More apartment living, less single-family.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,400 - $2,700/month. Premium for location.
   • Best For: Welders who want an active, walkable environment and don't mind a slightly longer commute to industrial zones.

3. North Quincy:

   • Commute: Prime. Adjacent to I-93 and the Red Line. Very quick access to Boston and the South Shore.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of residential and commercial. Home to the Wollaston T station and diverse dining options (especially Asian cuisine).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,200 - $2,500/month.
   • Best For: Welders who prioritize a fast, flexible commute and enjoy a diverse neighborhood feel.

4. West Quincy:

   • Commute: Good for drivers. Close to Route 128 (I-95) and I-93. A bit farther from the T.
   • Lifestyle: More suburban, with shopping plazas (like the former South Shore Plaza area) and quieter streets. Closer to the Blue Hills Reservation for outdoor activities.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $2,300/month. Often the best value.
   • Best For: Welders who drive to work and want a more suburban, budget-friendly option.

5. Merrymount:

   • Commute: Decent. Requires a short drive to I-93 or the T.
   • Lifestyle: Very residential and family-oriented. Quiet streets, historic homes. Feels removed from the city bustle.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $2,300/month (mostly in multi-family homes).
   • Best For: Welders with families or those who value peace and quiet over immediate transit access.

Insider Tip: The sweet spot for many welders is North Quincy or South Quincy. You get a reasonable rent, a safe environment, and a commute that doesn't eat up your day. Avoid the immediate waterfront ("The Point") if you're on a budget, as it's the most expensive area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A welding career in Quincy is not about stagnation; it's about strategic specialization. With a 2% job growth rate, advancement is less about new openings and more about moving into higher-value roles.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can increase your hourly rate by $5 - $15/hour. For example:
  • AWS D1.1 (Structural): Standard for construction/infrastructure.
  • ASME Section IX (Pressure Vessel): Essential for shipyards, power plants, and chemical facilities. Can add a $5-$10/hr premium.
  • GTAW (TIG) Certification: Highly valued in aerospace and food-grade stainless fabrication. Can add $7-$12/hr.
  • Nuclear or Aerospace Certs: Require additional training but can push wages toward the $75,000+ range.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Specialist to Supervisor: With 5+ years of experience and leadership skills, you can move into a lead welder or shop foreman role.
  2. Field to Fabrication: Transition from high-stress, travel-heavy field welding to a more stable shop environment.
  3. Welder to Inspector: With additional training (e.g., CWI - Certified Welding Inspector), you can move into quality control, which is less physically demanding and often better paid ($70,000 - $90,000).
  4. Union Path: Advancing through union ranks to a business agent or training coordinator role.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable but requires adaptability. The push for renewable energy (offshore wind farms) and infrastructure repair will create demand for welders skilled in pipeline and structural work. The aerospace and defense sectors in the region (driven by companies like GE, Raytheon, and Electric Boat) will continue to need high-precision welders. Automation is a factor, but it's more likely to change the type of welding (more robotic programming oversight) than eliminate the need for skilled human welders, especially for custom, repair, and critical welds. A welder who invests in continuous learning and specializes in high-demand niches can expect strong career security and salary growth well above the median $51,315.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Quincy offers a compelling package for welders who want to access the robust Boston job market without the exorbitant costs of living in the city. It's a practical, data-driven choice for those who are strategic about their career path.

Pros	Cons
Access to Top Employers: Proximity to major shipyards, aerospace firms, and Boston's construction boom.	High Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses are 11.6% above the national average.
Median Salary Premium: Earnings are slightly above the national average ($51,315 vs. $49,590).	Tight Budget on Median Salary: Homeownership is a distant goal without