Can A Welder Afford Rent in Waterville, ME?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.5% of gross income.
Waterville rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than Waterville, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waterville
View full rent data for Waterville, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Waterville, ME?
Median rent in Waterville is $1,295 a month. A typical welder in Maine earns about $47,811 a year, which makes that rent 32.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Waterville?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Maine (~$47,811/yr) supports up to $1,195 a month in rent. Waterville's current median rent is $1,295/mo, which is $100/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Waterville?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a welder in Maine works roughly 56.3 hours a month to cover Waterville's median rent of $1,295.
Where is rent cheaper than Waterville for a welder?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Presque Isle ($1,150/mo), Presque Isle ($1,150/mo), Bangor ($1,081/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.