Welder in Scranton, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

Working as a welder in Scranton means you’re entering a market that’s stable but modest. The median salary here is $48,548/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.34/hour. This is slightly below the national average for welders, which sits at $49,590/year, but the lower cost of living helps balance the scales. The metro area has 151 welding jobs currently listed, indicating a steady, if not booming, demand. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 2%, which aligns with the slow-but-steady industrial trend in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Here’s how wages typically break down by experience level in the Scranton area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $43,000	Small fabrication shops, temp agencies, some construction
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Regional manufacturers, HVAC companies, rail shops
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$53,000 - $62,000	Major industrial plants, specialty contractors, union shops
Expert/Supervisor (15+ years)	$65,000+	Plant management, lead instructor roles, specialized project work

When you compare Scranton to other Pennsylvania cities, the picture becomes clearer. Philadelphia and its suburbs offer higher wages—often $55,000+ for mid-career welders—but the cost of living is dramatically higher. Pittsburgh is closer in both wage and cost, but Scranton’s advantage is its strategic location. You’re within a 2-hour drive of both NYC and Philadelphia, which can open up contracting opportunities. Erie, another industrial city, has similar wage structures but a harsher lake-effect climate. For a welder prioritizing affordability and stability over maximum earning potential, Scranton holds its own.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the numbers. A single welder earning the median $48,548 will see roughly $36,500 after federal and state taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction). That’s about $3,040 per month. With Scranton’s average 1-bedroom rent at $854/month, the math is in your favor compared to most metro areas.

Here’s a practical monthly budget breakdown for a welder at the median income:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$854	Can be lower in South Side, higher in Hill Section
Utilities (Electric/Gas)	$130	Varies by season; winters can be steep
Groceries & Household	$350	Based on single-person household
Car Payment & Insurance	$350	Essential in Scranton; public transport is limited
Fuel & Maintenance	$120	Commutes vary by neighborhood
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Estimate for a marketplace plan
Retirement/Personal Savings	$300	This is critical for long-term security
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$400	Entertainment, clothes, tools, etc.
TOTAL	$2,704	Leaves ~$336 buffer for emergencies or savings

Can you buy a home? Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Scranton is around $165,000. With a 10% down payment ($16,500), you’d need to save for a few years while renting. A mortgage payment on a $150,000 loan (30-year, 6.5%) would be roughly $950/month, plus taxes and insurance (another $250-300). That’s manageable on a dual-income household or after a few promotions. For a single earner, it’s tight but possible with careful budgeting. Many local welders I’ve met own homes in neighborhoods like Green Ridge or Minooka, often after partnering with a spouse or saving aggressively in their late 20s.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

Scranton’s industrial base is a mix of legacy manufacturing, rail, and modern fabrication. The jobs are there, but you need to know where to look. Here are the key players:

1. P&G Scranton (Planters): Located in the Green Ridge neighborhood, this massive Nabisco/Plants facility is one of the area’s largest employers. They hire welders for maintenance and fabrication roles. The work is steady, often union (UFCW), and offers excellent benefits. Hiring is competitive; they often look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience and OSHA-10 certification. Insider Tip: Check their website directly, as they don’t always post on major job boards.

2. Caterpillar (Solar Turbines): Just off I-81 in nearby Jessup, this is a premier employer for high-skill welders. They specialize in gas turbine fabrication and repair. This is where you find advanced TIG and orbital welding jobs paying $55,000+. They value AWS certifications and often have apprenticeship programs. The commute from Scranton is about 15 minutes.

3. Norfolk Southern Railway: Scranton is a major rail hub. The railway employs welders for track maintenance and car repair. This work is physically demanding and involves travel, but the pay and union benefits (IBEW) are strong. They often post jobs on their federal careers site. Insider Tip: A CDL can give you a significant edge here, even for welding roles.

4. Mack Trucks (Lehigh Valley): While not in Scranton proper, the Macungie plant is a 45-minute drive and is a massive employer for welders in the region. Many Scranton residents make this commute for the higher wages ($50,000-$60,000). They use robotic welding extensively, so experience with automation is a plus.

5. Local Fabrication Shops: Scranton has dozens of smaller shops, like Taylor Metal Works in South Scranton or Lackawanna County Iron Works. These are great for entry-level welders to cut their teeth. Pay is often hourly, starting around $18-$20/hour. The work is varied—gates, railings, structural steel. They’re more likely to hire based on a skills test than a resume.

6. HVAC & Mechanical Contractors: Companies like Hoffman Mechanical or County Heating & Cooling need welders for custom ductwork and boiler installation. The work is seasonal but consistent. Pay is typically $22-$26/hour. This is a good path if you prefer variety over plant work.

Hiring trends show a slight uptick in demand for welders who can work with stainless steel and aluminum, particularly for food-grade and pharmaceutical applications (thanks to the regional pharmaceutical corridor). Robotic welding experience is still niche but growing.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania does not require a state license for welders. That’s a common misconception. However, certifications are where the real value lies. The industry standard is the American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder credential. This is a performance-based test, not a school diploma.

Process & Costs:

1. Training: You can attend a community college program. Lackawanna College in Scranton offers a Welding Technology certificate (about 1 year, ~$8,000 in tuition). Penn State Scranton has a more comprehensive associate’s degree program (~$15,000 for the full program). Alternatively, apprenticeships through unions (like the Ironworkers Local 5) or employers are paid positions.
2. AWS Certification: You take a practical test at an AWS-accredited test facility (like at Lackawanna College or a private lab). The test cost is $150-$300 per position (e.g., GMAW, GTAW). Many employers will pay for this once you’re hired.
3. OSHA Safety Certs: OSHA-10 for General Industry is often a prerequisite ($60-$80 online). Some employers require OSHA-30 ($180-$250).
4. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Not mandatory, but a Class A CDL can be a huge advantage for mobile welding and repair jobs. The training costs $3,000-$6,000 but can boost earnings by $5-$10/hour.

Timeline: A motivated person can be job-ready in 6-9 months with a focused certificate program and OSHA-10. A full associate’s degree takes 2 years but opens doors to supervisory roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Scranton’s neighborhoods vary dramatically in vibe and commute. As a welder, you want a balance of affordable rent, reasonable commute to industrial zones, and access to amenities.

1. South Scranton: This is the industrial heartland, home to P&G, Taylor Metal Works, and countless small shops. Rent for a 1BR is about $750-$850. The commute to work is often a 5-10 minute drive. It’s a working-class, no-frills area with solid restaurants on Capouse Ave. Best for those who prioritize a short commute above all else.

2. Green Ridge: A classic Scranton neighborhood with tree-lined streets and older homes. It’s where many P&G employees live. Rents are slightly higher ($900-$1,000 for a 1BR), but you get more space and a quieter, residential feel. A 15-minute commute to most industrial parks. Great for welders starting families.

3. Minooka: Located along the Lackawanna River, this is a revitalizing area with a mix of old mill buildings and new apartments. It’s close to the Steamtown Mall area and I-81. Rents are moderate ($800-$950). The commute to Jessup (Caterpillar) is very easy. The vibe is artsy and up-and-coming, with good breweries and parks.

4. North Scranton (The Hill Section): This area is more residential and hilly. It’s close to the University of Scranton, which can mean more rental options. Rents are variable ($750-$1,200). The commute to the South Side industrial zone is 15-20 minutes. Best for welders who want a quieter, more suburban feel with easy access to hiking trails at Nay Aug Park.

5. West Side (Pittston Ave): Affordable and close to the airport and I-81. Rents can be as low as $700. It’s a practical choice for those who need easy access to the interstate for commuting to places like Mack Trucks (Lehigh Valley) or for travel welding jobs. Less walkable, but very car-friendly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Welding in Scranton isn’t a dead-end job, but you have to be strategic. The 10-year job growth of 2% tells you to not expect an explosion of new positions. Advancement comes from specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come from mastering in-demand skills. Stainless Steel TIG welding (for food/pharma) can command $30+/hour. Aluminum welding (for trailers, boats) is also a premium skill. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a major leap—inspecting welds can push you over $70,000/year. The AWS CWI exam is tough and requires experience, but it’s a career changer.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Welder -> Lead Welder -> Shop Supervisor -> Plant Manager. Another route is into estimation or project management, where you use your field knowledge to bid jobs. Some welders transition into pipefitting or boilermaking for higher union wages, though those often require more travel.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. The core manufacturing base in Scranton is resilient but won’t grow rapidly. The key will be adapting to new technologies. Robotic welding is present but not dominant. The biggest opportunity may be in renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., solar farm construction, which requires structural welding) as Pennsylvania expands its grid. For the welder willing to get a CWI or master a specialty, the future is secure. For those content with general fabrication, expect steady, modest growth.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely affordable cost of living. Rent is a fraction of major cities.	Wages are stagnant. The $48,548 median won’t climb quickly without specialization.
Stable job market. 151 jobs and 2% growth mean reliable work, not boom-and-bust.	Limited high-end specialty work. Fewer opportunities for elite TIG/pipeline welding vs. Gulf Coast or Texas.
Central location. Easy access to NYC/Philly for contracting or weekend trips.	Industrial base is aging. Some employers are legacy shops resistant to new tech.
Strong union presence. UFCW, IBEW, Ironworkers offer good benefits and pay scales.	Weather. Cold, snowy winters can impact outdoor or travel welding jobs.
Tight-knit industrial community. It’s easy to network and find mentors.	Nightlife is limited. It’s a quiet city, not a hub for young professionals.

Final Recommendation: Scranton is an excellent choice for a welder who values stability and affordability over maximum earning potential. It’s ideal for someone in the mid-career stage (3-10 years) looking to buy a home, raise a family, or escape the high-cost grind of a coastal city. It’s less ideal for a young, single welder chasing the absolute highest wages or for a specialist seeking the most advanced industrial work. If you’re willing to specialize (CWI, stainless/aluminum) and commute occasionally to the Lehigh Valley, Scranton becomes a very financially comfortable place to build a career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a union card to get a good welding job in Scranton?
A: No, but it helps significantly. Many of the best-paying jobs at P&G, Caterpillar, and Norfolk Southern are unionized. Non-union shops are plentiful for entry-level work. You can get your foot in the door without a union, but joining one (like Ironworkers Local 5 or IBEW Local 81) is the surest path to the top wages and benefits.

Q: Is the job market flooded with welders?
A: Not flooded, but competitive for the best jobs. The 151 openings suggest steady demand. The key is having the right certs. A welder with AWS 1G, 2G, and 3G certifications and OSHA-10 will have a much easier time than someone with no credentials. Specializing in a process (like TIG) makes you stand out.

Q: Can I commute from a nearby town and still work in Scranton?
A: Absolutely. Many welders live in Dunmore, Clarks Summit, or even the Lehigh Valley and commute in. The traffic is light by big-city standards. A 20-30 minute commute is very common. This expands your housing options, though Scranton’s rent is already low.

Q: What’s the best way to find a welding job here?
A: 1) Check company websites directly (P&G, Caterpillar, Norfolk Southern). 2) Use Indeed and LinkedIn with filters for “welder” and “fabricator.” 3) Visit local shops in South Scranton—a drop-in with a resume and a portfolio of your work (photos) can land an interview. 4) Connect with the Lackawanna College welding program—they often have employer contacts.

Q: How important is a CDL for a welder in Scranton?
A: Not essential for shop work, but a major asset for mobile welding, repair, and pipeline contractors. It can open up jobs with a higher travel component and pay rate. If you’re considering long-term growth, getting a Class A CDL is a smart investment that pays dividends.

Sources: All salary and job count data derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Statistical Area. Cost of Living Index from ACCRA. Rent data from local rental listings and Zillow. Employer information is based on local business reporting and job posting analysis.