Welder in Rochester, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Rochester Stands

As a welder, your earning potential in Rochester, NH, is tied directly to your skill set, certifications, and the specific industry you target. The data tells a clear story: Rochester offers a stable, mid-tier market with a cost of living that’s above the national average but manageable for skilled tradespeople.

Let's ground this in the hard numbers. The median salary for a welder in the Rochester metro area is $51,315 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $24.67. Compared to the national average of $49,590, Rochester offers a slight premium, which is notable given the city's smaller size. However, the Rochester metro area only lists 65 total welding jobs, indicating a tight, competitive local market. The 10-year job growth projection is 2%, which is slower than the national average for the trade, suggesting that most opportunities will come from replacing retiring workers rather than new industry expansion.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for welders in the region. These are generalized estimates based on local employer trends and BLS data for New England.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $48,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$48,000 - $58,000
Senior	8-15 years	$58,000 - $70,000+
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$70,000 - $85,000+

Insider Tip: The top earners in Rochester aren’t just welders; they’re welders with specialized certifications (e.g., AWS D1.1 for structural steel, ASME Section IX for pressure vessels) who can work in the region's key industries: marine construction, nuclear power support, and heavy equipment manufacturing.

How Rochester Stacks Up Against Other NH Cities:

• Portsmouth: Higher salaries (median ~$55,000+) but a significantly higher cost of living, with average 1BR rents often exceeding $2,000. The job market is larger but more competitive.
• Manchester: Similar salary range to Rochester, but with a much larger metro population (approx. 115,000) and more diverse industrial employers, offering more job variety.
• Concord: Salaries are comparable, but the job market is smaller and more focused on state government and light manufacturing.
• Laconia: Lower salaries (median ~$47,000) and fewer opportunities, but a lower cost of living.

Bottom Line: Rochester sits in a "sweet spot" for welders: a reasonable salary relative to the local cost of living, with access to niche industrial employers that value specialized skills.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning the median salary of $51,315 is one thing; living on it in Rochester is another. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a single welder with no dependents.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $51,315
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): 22% (This is an estimate; consult a tax professional). Monthly take-home pay: **$3,300**.
• Average 1BR Rent in Rochester: $1,582/month (as per provided data).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,582	Average for the city. Older buildings in the core may be cheaper; new builds are higher.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Rochester's older housing stock can have higher heating costs in winter.
Groceries	$400	A single person's budget. Shop at the Rochester Market Basket or Hannaford for best value.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Highly variable. A used, reliable truck is common for welders. Insurance in NH is generally lower than average.
Fuel	$150	Commuting within Rochester is short, but travel to job sites in nearby Dover or Portsmouth adds cost.
Health Insurance	$200	If not fully covered by employer. NH has high premiums.
Miscellaneous	$318	This covers everything else: savings, entertainment, tools, clothing, and emergencies.

Total Monthly Expenses: ~$3,300

The Verdict on the Budget: The numbers are tight but feasible. The $318 miscellaneous category is where you'll feel the pinch. It leaves little room for error, major savings, or significant discretionary spending. You can live comfortably on this income, but you'll need to be disciplined.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is a tougher question. The median home price in Rochester is approximately $350,000+. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a mortgage would be around $280,000. At a 6.5% interest rate (current market), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $2,200-$2,400.

For a single person earning $51,315, a $2,400 housing payment (over 70% of take-home pay) is financially unsustainable. Homeownership is likely out of reach on a single median salary without a significant down payment, dual income, or a much higher wage from overtime or specialization.

Where the Jobs Are: Rochester's Major Employers

Rochester's industrial base is anchored in marine, construction, and light manufacturing. The job market is small (65 jobs), so knowing the key players is crucial. Here are the primary local employers who regularly hire welders and metal fabricators:

1. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery, ME - 20 min commute): While not in Rochester, this is the region's single largest employer for welders. It's a federal facility with massive, ongoing work on nuclear submarines. They hire welders directly and through numerous contractors. The work is highly specialized (naval nuclear, high-hull steel), pays well, and offers incredible job security. Hiring Trend: Consistently high demand for certified welders willing to undergo extensive background checks and training.

2. Cianbro Corporation (Dover, NH - 15 min commute): A major New England industrial and construction contractor. They work on large-scale projects, including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard expansion, bridge work, and industrial plant construction. They need structural welders, pipe welders, and fabricators. Hiring Trend: Project-based hiring, often with opportunities for travel to other sites in New England. Strong benefits and per diem for travel work.

3. Bristol Marine / New England Marine (Portsmouth, NH - 20 min): This group services the commercial and recreational marine industry. They build and repair boats, yachts, and marine structures. Work involves aluminum and stainless steel welding. Hiring Trend: Seasonal ups and downs, but steady need for skilled aluminum TIG welders, especially for high-end custom work.

4. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Dover, NH - 15 min): While primarily a healthcare facility, their facilities and maintenance departments employ welders for equipment repair, structural modifications, and HVAC system work. It's a stable, unionized environment. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady; openings occur with retirements or capital projects.

5. Liberty Mutual Insurance (Dover, NH - 15 min): Again, not a traditional welder employer, but their massive campus requires in-house maintenance technicians with welding skills for facility upkeep and custom fabrication for events and improvements. Hiring Trend: Internal postings only; network with existing facility staff.

6. Local Fabrication Shops: Numerous small shops in Rochester and nearby Somersworth and Dover serve local construction and industrial clients. Companies like R & L Welding & Fabrication or M & R Fabrication (local examples) are always looking for competent welders for custom projects, from railings to brackets to repair work. Hiring Trend: Constant need for versatile welders who can handle a variety of materials and jobs.

Insider Tip: The best jobs at the Shipyard and with Cianbro aren't always advertised publicly. Get to know the local tradespeople. Go to the union hall (if applicable, like Ironworkers Local 7) or stop by a local diner like the Rochester Common Cider Company on a weekday morning and ask questions. Word-of-mouth is key in this small market.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire does not have a state-level welder licensing requirement. This is a significant advantage for entry. However, employers have strict requirements.

Step 1: Get Certified. The primary credential is from the American Welding Society (AWS). The most common certification is the Certified Welder (CW) test, which is performance-based and specific to a welding procedure (e.g., "AWS D1.1, 3G/4G, FCAW"). Certification is done through an AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF). The nearest ATFs are in Portsmouth, NH, and Portland, ME. The test fee is typically $200 - $400.

Step 2: Specialize. For the highest-paying jobs, you need more than basic certification:

• Structural Steel (AWS D1.1): Essential for construction and shipyard work.
• Pipe Welding (ASME Section IX): Required for pressure vessels and piping in power generation and industrial plants.
• Aluminum (AWS D1.2): Key for marine and aerospace work.

Step 3: Consider a Formal Program (Optional but Recommended). Programs like those at Great Bay Community College (Portsmouth, NH) or Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, MA) offer Associate's degrees in Welding Technology. These provide a structured path, access to better equipment, and often include certification testing. A 2-year program costs $10,000 - $20,000 in tuition but can lead to higher starting wages.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Self-Taught with Certification: 3-6 months of intensive practice and study.
• Community College Program: 2 years (full-time).
• On-the-Job Training (Apprenticeship): Typically 3-4 years with a union or contractor, combining paid work with classroom instruction.

Bottom Line: You can enter the job market quickly with a certification, but a formal education or apprenticeship is the path to the $70,000+ expert-level jobs.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Rochester affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. The city is divided by the Salmon Falls River, with the core on the west side and more residential areas on the east.

1. Downtown Rochester (West Side):

   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, with local bars (The Garage), restaurants, and the Rochester Opera House. Older, historic apartment buildings.
   • Commute: Walking or biking to most local shops and some industrial zones. Easy access to Route 16 and I-95 for commutes to Dover/Portsmouth.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,700 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Younger welders who want a social scene and minimal commute to local fabricators.

2. Gonic (East Side):

   • Lifestyle: Residential, quiet, and more suburban. Mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. Home to the popular Gonic Village Plaza (Market Basket, restaurants).
   • Commute: 5-10 minute drive to most of Rochester's industrial areas and Route 16. Easy access to Dover.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Those seeking a quieter, family-friendly environment with good amenities and a short commute.

3. Maple Street / Route 125 Corridor:

   • Lifestyle: Commercial and light industrial corridor with some residential pockets. Very convenient for commutes to local shops and major roads.
   • Commute: Excellent. Direct access to Route 16, I-95, and Route 125. You can be in Dover or Portsmouth in 15-20 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR. Can be noisier due to traffic.
   • Best For: The pragmatic welder who prioritizes a short, easy commute above all else.

4. East Rochester (Near the Fairgrounds):

   • Lifestyle: More spread out, with some older homes and new developments. Further from the downtown core but still within a 10-minute drive.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most of Rochester's employers. Easy access to Route 16 for commutes north or south.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,750 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Someone looking for a bit more space and a quieter street without being too far from amenities.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in older, converted mill buildings (like the old shoe factories). They often have character, higher ceilings, and may be slightly cheaper than new construction. Check for oil heat vs. gas heat when budgeting for utilities—oil can be a major winter expense.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 2% growth rate means you must be proactive to advance. Your career path will likely involve specialization and moving into supervisory roles.

Specialty Premiums (Estimated Add-Ons to Base Salary):

• Pipe Welder (ASME): +$5-$10/hour. Critical for the shipyard and power plants.
• Aluminum TIG Welder (Marine/Aero): +$4-$8/hour. High demand for custom and repair work.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): +$10-$15/hour. This is a major career pivot. You'll need AWS CWI certification, which requires significant experience and passing a rigorous exam. This moves you from hands-on labor to a salaried, quality-control role.
• Welding Supervisor: +$5,000 - $15,000/year. Requires leadership skills, knowledge of codes, and the ability to read prints and manage crews.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Welder → Shop Foreman: Move from the production line to managing a team in a fabrication shop.
2. Welding Technician → CWI (Inspector): Use your hands-on experience to move into a quality assurance role, often with a major employer like the Shipyard.
3. Specialist → Contractor: Once you have a network and a truck, you can start your own small fabrication or repair business serving the local marine and construction industries.

10-Year Outlook:
The 2% growth is deceptive. While net new jobs are few, the nature of the work will change. There will be a steady need for welders who can:

• Work with advanced materials (composites, new alloys).
• Use automated welding systems (robotics).
• Interpret complex CAD drawings for fabrication.
• Work in regulated environments (nuclear, maritime) requiring stringent documentation.

The welders who retire are often the most highly skilled. There is a significant opportunity for the next generation to fill those high-skill, high-pay roles, provided they invest in continuous learning and certifications.

The Verdict: Is Rochester Right for You?

The decision to move to Rochester as a welder hinges on your career stage, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences.

Pros	Cons
Access to High-Value Industries: Proximity to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and marine sector offers stable, well-paying work for certified welders.	Small, Competitive Job Market: Only 65 jobs locally. You must stand out with certifications and experience.
Manageable Cost of Living: While above national average, it's reasonable compared to larger NH cities like Portsmouth or Nashua. A $51,315 salary is livable.	Slower Job Growth (2%): Fewer new opportunities, meaning you'll be competing with existing locals for openings.
Strategic Location: Situated between major economic hubs (Portsmouth, Dover, Portland, ME). You can live in Rochester and commute to higher-paying jobs.	Limited Housing for Purchase: On a single median salary, buying a home is a significant challenge without a large down payment or dual income.
No State Welder License: Low barrier to entry if you have the right certifications.	Harsh Winters: New England winters can be long and cold, which can affect outdoor welding work and commute times.
Strong Sense of Community: As a smaller city (pop. 32,866), it's easier to build a network in the trades.	Fewer Entertainment/Cultural Amenities: Compared to Manchester or Portsmouth, Rochester's nightlife and dining scene is more limited.

Final Recommendation:
Move to Rochester if: You are a mid-career welder with certifications (or are willing to get them quickly), value a stable job over rapid industry growth, and want a lower-cost-of-living alternative to coastal NH while staying near the ocean and major employers. It's an excellent choice for someone targeting the marine or nuclear support industries.

Reconsider if: