What is the best city for welders?

After cost of living, the Lima, OH area: the median of $85,790 a year buys about what $95,670 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays welders the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the Lima, OH area has the highest median, $85,790. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 372.

What is the best big city for welders?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most welders, the Baton Rouge, LA area, 2nd overall: its median of $78,170 buys what $86,110 would nationally.

Where does welder pay go the least far?

Of the 372 metro areas ranked, the Columbus, GA-AL area, where the median of $40,100 buys about what $44,910 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 372 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for welders and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's welder pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for welders

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the Lima, OH area is the best-paying metro for welders: its median of $85,790 a year buys what $95,670 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. It also has the highest pay before adjusting. Among the 20 metros with the most welders, the Baton Rouge, LA area ranks highest (2nd overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	LimaOH · $85,790 median · prices 89.7	$95,670	$85,790	89.7	470
2	Baton RougeLA · $78,170 median · prices 90.8	$86,110	$78,170	90.8	3,690
3	Lake CharlesLA · $72,920 median · prices 85.9	$84,940	$72,920	85.9	970
4	Fairbanks–CollegeAK · $80,210 median · prices 103.2	$77,720	$80,210	103.2	70
5	St. JosephMO-KS · $66,060 median · prices 86.4	$76,470	$66,060	86.4	610
6	AlexandriaLA · $64,490 median · prices 85.7	$75,260	$64,490	85.7	230
7	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $63,610 median · prices 84.8	$75,040	$63,610	84.8	910
8	Urban HonoluluHI · $81,120 median · prices 111.0	$73,110	$81,120	111.0	430
9	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $75,040 median · prices 102.7	$73,030	$75,040	102.7	670
10	St. CloudMN · $62,820 median · prices 87.6	$71,690	$62,820	87.6	620
11	MinotND · $62,060 median · prices 87.0	$71,310	$62,060	87.0	80
12	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $64,470 median · prices 91.1	$70,750	$64,470	91.1	390
13	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $63,440 median · prices 90.0	$70,480	$63,440	90.0	2,220
14	AnchorageAK · $74,000 median · prices 105.4	$70,200	$74,000	105.4	250
15	MobileAL · $61,420 median · prices 88.1	$69,720	$61,420	88.1	1,700
16	Anniston–OxfordAL · $59,820 median · prices 85.9	$69,600	$59,820	85.9	430
17	HammondLA · $58,490 median · prices 84.5	$69,250	$58,490	84.5	60
18	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $63,270 median · prices 92.6	$68,330	$63,270	92.6	2,000
19	BismarckND · $62,000 median · prices 91.0	$68,110	$62,000	91.0	320
20	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $71,720 median · prices 105.6	$67,910	$71,720	105.6	740
21	OdessaTX · $63,470 median · prices 93.9	$67,600	$63,470	93.9	790
22	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $58,230 median · prices 86.5	$67,350	$58,230	86.5	440
23	FargoND-MN · $61,140 median · prices 90.9	$67,280	$61,140	90.9	690
24	Grand ForksND-MN · $58,200 median · prices 86.7	$67,160	$58,200	86.7	190
25	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $56,990 median · prices 85.1	$66,970	$56,990	85.1	1,350
26	CasperWY · $62,660 median · prices 93.8	$66,780	$62,660	93.8	480
27	Fond du LacWI · $60,930 median · prices 91.6	$66,490	$60,930	91.6	230
28	RochesterMN · $60,380 median · prices 90.8	$66,480	$60,380	90.8	510
29	LafayetteLA · $57,750 median · prices 87.2	$66,220	$57,750	87.2	1,860
30	ElizabethtownKY · $59,900 median · prices 90.6	$66,140	$59,900	90.6	660
31	AmesIA · $58,560 median · prices 88.8	$65,920	$58,560	88.8	170
32	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $59,190 median · prices 90.0	$65,730	$59,190	90.0	1,980
33	Slidell–Mandeville–CovingtonLA · $60,810 median · prices 92.7	$65,580	$60,810	92.7	330
34	FarmingtonNM · $57,440 median · prices 87.7	$65,490	$57,440	87.7	500
35	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $59,980 median · prices 91.7	$65,410	$59,980	91.7	1,170
36	PocatelloID · $58,140 median · prices 88.9	$65,390	$58,140	88.9	180
37	DecaturAL · $56,990 median · prices 87.2	$65,350	$56,990	87.2	530
38	Oshkosh–NeenahWI · $60,720 median · prices 92.9	$65,340	$60,720	92.9	540
39	DecaturIL · $57,670 median · prices 88.4	$65,220	$57,670	88.4	200
40	Portland–South PortlandME · $66,420 median · prices 101.9	$65,210	$66,420	101.9	1,060
41	GreenvilleNC · $57,360 median · prices 88.4	$64,890	$57,360	88.4	230
42	DuluthMN-WI · $57,410 median · prices 88.8	$64,670	$57,410	88.8	370
43	Kennewick–RichlandWA · $64,720 median · prices 100.1	$64,670	$64,720	100.1	260
44	PeoriaIL · $58,960 median · prices 91.2	$64,630	$58,960	91.2	1,230
45	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $55,690 median · prices 86.4	$64,420	$55,690	86.4	450
46	DubuqueIA · $56,100 median · prices 87.3	$64,240	$56,100	87.3	330
47	Corpus ChristiTX · $59,450 median · prices 92.7	$64,150	$59,450	92.7	1,280
48	MidlandTX · $61,410 median · prices 95.8	$64,110	$61,410	95.8	810
49	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $58,800 median · prices 91.8	$64,070	$58,800	91.8	300
50	Janesville–BeloitWI · $60,000 median · prices 93.7	$64,030	$60,000	93.7	520

See all 372 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $62,670 median · prices 97.9	$63,990	$62,670	97.9	3,740
52	Cedar RapidsIA · $56,750 median · prices 89.0	$63,790	$56,750	89.0	560
53	AppletonWI · $58,920 median · prices 92.4	$63,750	$58,920	92.4	970
54	SheboyganWI · $59,460 median · prices 94.0	$63,250	$59,460	94.0	740
55	Green BayWI · $58,850 median · prices 93.1	$63,220	$58,850	93.1	840
56	Iowa CityIA · $57,780 median · prices 91.5	$63,140	$57,780	91.5	130
57	Burlington–South BurlingtonVT · $63,460 median · prices 100.9	$62,860	$63,460	100.9	140
58	Bay CityMI · $57,760 median · prices 91.9	$62,840	$57,760	91.9	130
59	Carson CityNV · $61,520 median · prices 98.1	$62,690	$61,520	98.1	60
60	Eau ClaireWI · $58,110 median · prices 92.8	$62,620	$58,110	92.8	350
61	Glens FallsNY · $59,140 median · prices 94.9	$62,340	$59,140	94.9	110
62	Weirton–SteubenvilleWV-OH · $55,410 median · prices 89.0	$62,240	$55,410	89.0	180
63	Blacksburg–Christiansburg–RadfordVA · $57,650 median · prices 92.7	$62,180	$57,650	92.7	250
64	MonroeLA · $51,870 median · prices 83.6	$62,050	$51,870	83.6	420
65	Kansas CityMO-KS · $57,370 median · prices 92.5	$61,990	$57,370	92.5	2,710
66	BoulderCO · $65,040 median · prices 105.2	$61,820	$65,040	105.2	260
67	Racine–Mount PleasantWI · $59,200 median · prices 96.0	$61,690	$59,200	96.0	370
68	BellinghamWA · $63,720 median · prices 103.3	$61,660	$63,720	103.3	320
69	Atlantic City–HammontonNJ · $60,880 median · prices 98.9	$61,580	$60,880	98.9	90
70	AlbanyOR · $62,790 median · prices 102.1	$61,500	$62,790	102.1	280
71	Longview–KelsoWA · $59,860 median · prices 97.5	$61,370	$59,860	97.5	120
72	El CentroCA · $58,350 median · prices 95.2	$61,310	$58,350	95.2	70
73	LewistonID-WA · $55,890 median · prices 91.2	$61,310	$55,890	91.2	210
74	Mount Vernon–AnacortesWA · $62,800 median · prices 102.4	$61,300	$62,800	102.4	430
75	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $59,390 median · prices 96.9	$61,270	$59,390	96.9	3,400
76	MadisonWI · $59,530 median · prices 97.3	$61,190	$59,530	97.3	1,010
77	CheyenneWY · $59,030 median · prices 96.5	$61,180	$59,030	96.5	180
78	SalisburyMD · $58,480 median · prices 95.6	$61,160	$58,480	95.6	60
79	SpringfieldMO · $54,080 median · prices 88.6	$61,050	$54,080	88.6	1,060
80	WichitaKS · $54,190 median · prices 88.9	$60,920	$54,190	88.9	1,460
81	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $55,200 median · prices 90.6	$60,910	$55,200	90.6	850
82	MuncieIN · $53,340 median · prices 88.1	$60,510	$53,340	88.1	200
83	JonesboroAR · $51,900 median · prices 85.9	$60,440	$51,900	85.9	340
84	AmarilloTX · $55,460 median · prices 91.8	$60,400	$55,460	91.8	620
85	Lexington ParkMD · $60,840 median · prices 100.8	$60,380	$60,840	100.8	80
86	Walla WallaWA · $59,380 median · prices 98.5	$60,270	$59,380	98.5	80
87	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $59,040 median · prices 98.1	$60,200	$59,040	98.1	2,210
88	WausauWI · $55,780 median · prices 92.7	$60,200	$55,780	92.7	930
89	YakimaWA · $57,450 median · prices 95.5	$60,130	$57,450	95.5	290
90	OgdenUT · $60,240 median · prices 100.3	$60,030	$60,240	100.3	960
91	TulsaOK · $53,550 median · prices 89.2	$60,020	$53,550	89.2	4,520
92	RoanokeVA · $56,040 median · prices 93.6	$59,860	$56,040	93.6	940
93	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $60,190 median · prices 100.9	$59,670	$60,190	100.9	1,490
94	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $59,390 median · prices 99.6	$59,650	$59,390	99.6	550
95	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $66,240 median · prices 111.1	$59,600	$66,240	111.1	3,230
96	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $53,160 median · prices 89.2	$59,570	$53,160	89.2	50
97	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $56,020 median · prices 94.2	$59,490	$56,020	94.2	130
98	TuscaloosaAL · $52,180 median · prices 87.7	$59,480	$52,180	87.7	290
99	Bowling GreenKY · $53,630 median · prices 90.2	$59,470	$53,630	90.2	400
100	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $63,440 median · prices 106.9	$59,370	$63,440	106.9	210
101	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $61,920 median · prices 104.5	$59,260	$61,920	104.5	1,290
102	SavannahGA · $56,410 median · prices 95.2	$59,250	$56,410	95.2	460
103	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $59,350 median · prices 100.3	$59,150	$59,350	100.3	630
104	GreeleyCO · $59,180 median · prices 100.2	$59,080	$59,180	100.2	730
105	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $61,880 median · prices 104.8	$59,030	$61,880	104.8	4,600
106	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $59,660 median · prices 101.1	$58,990	$59,660	101.1	440
107	RichmondVA · $57,710 median · prices 97.9	$58,970	$57,710	97.9	1,260
108	LincolnNE · $53,990 median · prices 91.6	$58,950	$53,990	91.6	820
109	New HavenCT · $61,630 median · prices 104.6	$58,940	$61,630	104.6	180
110	ColumbiaMO · $52,700 median · prices 89.4	$58,920	$52,700	89.4	200
111	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $63,770 median · prices 108.3	$58,900	$63,770	108.3	2,210
112	RochesterNY · $57,130 median · prices 97.0	$58,880	$57,130	97.0	650
113	VallejoCA · $63,860 median · prices 108.5	$58,870	$63,860	108.5	280
114	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $62,050 median · prices 105.4	$58,860	$62,050	105.4	3,300
115	WorcesterMA · $60,320 median · prices 102.5	$58,840	$60,320	102.5	330
116	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $57,940 median · prices 98.6	$58,750	$57,940	98.6	15,850
117	Sherman–DenisonTX · $55,020 median · prices 93.8	$58,670	$55,020	93.8	290
118	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $51,080 median · prices 87.1	$58,670	$51,080	87.1	540
119	JacksonMS · $52,220 median · prices 89.0	$58,640	$52,220	89.0	530
120	Jefferson CityMO · $51,580 median · prices 88.0	$58,630	$51,580	88.0	360
121	Lewiston–AuburnME · $55,520 median · prices 94.7	$58,600	$55,520	94.7	80
122	Battle CreekMI · $52,970 median · prices 90.5	$58,500	$52,970	90.5	210
123	LongviewTX · $52,300 median · prices 89.5	$58,450	$52,300	89.5	1,270
124	OwensboroKY · $51,700 median · prices 88.6	$58,350	$51,700	88.6	410
125	Greensboro–High PointNC · $54,180 median · prices 92.9	$58,340	$54,180	92.9	1,180
126	SpringfieldMA · $56,010 median · prices 96.1	$58,310	$56,010	96.1	220
127	Michigan City–La PorteIN · $53,420 median · prices 91.7	$58,270	$53,420	91.7	220
128	EnidOK · $49,090 median · prices 84.3	$58,250	$49,090	84.3	90
129	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $52,970 median · prices 90.9	$58,240	$52,970	90.9	490
130	RenoNV · $58,800 median · prices 101.0	$58,210	$58,800	101.0	390
131	MankatoMN · $52,940 median · prices 91.0	$58,200	$52,940	91.0	280
132	LynchburgVA · $51,970 median · prices 89.4	$58,160	$51,970	89.4	610
133	SyracuseNY · $55,660 median · prices 95.7	$58,140	$55,660	95.7	430
134	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $64,140 median · prices 110.4	$58,090	$64,140	110.4	1,050
135	College Station–BryanTX · $52,800 median · prices 91.0	$58,050	$52,800	91.0	330
136	Raleigh–CaryNC · $56,940 median · prices 98.2	$58,010	$56,940	98.2	1,090
137	Rapid CitySD · $51,690 median · prices 89.2	$57,970	$51,690	89.2	200
138	CharlottesvilleVA · $57,420 median · prices 99.1	$57,910	$57,420	99.1	90
139	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $57,980 median · prices 100.2	$57,860	$57,980	100.2	730
140	TopekaKS · $51,390 median · prices 88.8	$57,860	$51,390	88.8	330
141	LawtonOK · $49,720 median · prices 85.9	$57,850	$49,720	85.9	80
142	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $55,420 median · prices 95.8	$57,820	$55,420	95.8	970
143	Lexington–FayetteKY · $53,680 median · prices 92.9	$57,790	$53,680	92.9	480
144	OmahaNE-IA · $53,110 median · prices 91.9	$57,780	$53,110	91.9	1,060
145	BozemanMT · $59,140 median · prices 102.5	$57,690	$59,140	102.5	170
146	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $56,070 median · prices 97.3	$57,600	$56,070	97.3	3,370
147	AltoonaPA · $51,540 median · prices 89.5	$57,580	$51,540	89.5	170
148	Great FallsMT · $55,720 median · prices 96.8	$57,540	$55,720	96.8	120
149	WilmingtonNC · $55,340 median · prices 96.4	$57,390	$55,340	96.4	260
150	York–HanoverPA · $55,070 median · prices 96.0	$57,360	$55,070	96.0	730
151	KingstonNY · $57,600 median · prices 100.7	$57,190	$57,600	100.7	120
152	KenoshaWI · $57,780 median · prices 101.1	$57,140	$57,780	101.1	250
153	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $58,380 median · prices 102.6	$56,930	$58,380	102.6	4,630
154	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $57,360 median · prices 100.9	$56,860	$57,360	100.9	800
155	WinchesterVA-WV · $54,690 median · prices 96.5	$56,700	$54,690	96.5	120
156	Parkersburg–ViennaWV · $49,330 median · prices 87.1	$56,660	$49,330	87.1	90
157	PittsburghPA · $53,610 median · prices 94.7	$56,630	$53,610	94.7	3,600
158	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $58,680 median · prices 103.7	$56,600	$58,680	103.7	140
159	WheelingWV-OH · $49,920 median · prices 88.3	$56,520	$49,920	88.3	160
160	Canton–MassillonOH · $50,510 median · prices 89.4	$56,500	$50,510	89.4	860
161	ReadingPA · $54,840 median · prices 97.1	$56,500	$54,840	97.1	870
162	HattiesburgMS · $49,500 median · prices 87.6	$56,490	$49,500	87.6	160
163	Grand IslandNE · $48,940 median · prices 86.7	$56,480	$48,940	86.7	170
164	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $48,580 median · prices 86.1	$56,440	$48,580	86.1	170
165	Elkhart–GoshenIN · $50,950 median · prices 90.3	$56,410	$50,950	90.3	2,000
166	PaducahKY-IL · $48,560 median · prices 86.1	$56,410	$48,560	86.1	310
167	ChambersburgPA · $53,340 median · prices 94.6	$56,360	$53,340	94.6	510
168	Rocky MountNC · $49,600 median · prices 88.0	$56,360	$49,600	88.0	250
169	BillingsMT · $52,670 median · prices 93.5	$56,320	$52,670	93.5	430
170	ManhattanKS · $50,550 median · prices 90.2	$56,070	$50,550	90.2	180
171	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $62,560 median · prices 111.9	$55,910	$62,560	111.9	2,940
172	NapaCA · $62,890 median · prices 112.6	$55,880	$62,890	112.6	70
173	PuebloCO · $51,190 median · prices 91.8	$55,790	$51,190	91.8	310
174	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $54,740 median · prices 98.2	$55,730	$54,740	98.2	790
175	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $60,670 median · prices 108.9	$55,720	$60,670	108.9	2,000
176	EvansvilleIN · $50,960 median · prices 91.5	$55,680	$50,960	91.5	350
177	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $58,890 median · prices 105.8	$55,670	$58,890	105.8	1,990
178	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $64,320 median · prices 115.6	$55,630	$64,320	115.6	1,990
179	KokomoIN · $49,860 median · prices 89.6	$55,620	$49,860	89.6	110
180	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $56,060 median · prices 101.0	$55,530	$56,060	101.0	830
181	BeckleyWV · $48,960 median · prices 88.4	$55,400	$48,960	88.4	120
182	Manchester–NashuaNH · $58,510 median · prices 105.7	$55,380	$58,510	105.7	270
183	LancasterPA · $54,370 median · prices 98.3	$55,330	$54,370	98.3	1,270
184	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $50,800 median · prices 91.9	$55,280	$50,800	91.9	680
185	VinelandNJ · $53,000 median · prices 96.0	$55,230	$53,000	96.0	70
186	SalemOR · $57,180 median · prices 103.6	$55,170	$57,180	103.6	410
187	Brunswick–St. SimonsGA · $48,380 median · prices 87.7	$55,160	$48,380	87.7	80
188	CorvallisOR · $57,350 median · prices 104.0	$55,140	$57,350	104.0	60
189	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $54,030 median · prices 98.0	$55,120	$54,030	98.0	90
190	BendOR · $56,910 median · prices 103.6	$54,930	$56,910	103.6	330
191	Colorado SpringsCO · $55,270 median · prices 100.7	$54,880	$55,270	100.7	470
192	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $53,350 median · prices 97.3	$54,830	$53,350	97.3	250
193	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $54,790 median · prices 100.0	$54,810	$54,790	100.0	860
194	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $61,680 median · prices 112.6	$54,800	$61,680	112.6	5,780
195	Wichita FallsTX · $49,010 median · prices 89.5	$54,750	$49,010	89.5	230
196	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $56,540 median · prices 103.3	$54,730	$56,540	103.3	5,440
197	SpartanburgSC · $49,820 median · prices 91.1	$54,720	$49,820	91.1	710
198	Naples–Marco IslandFL · $56,440 median · prices 103.2	$54,690	$56,440	103.2	180
199	HarrisonburgVA · $51,870 median · prices 94.9	$54,660	$51,870	94.9	110
200	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $50,870 median · prices 93.1	$54,660	$50,870	93.1	1,790
201	LebanonPA · $50,920 median · prices 93.2	$54,630	$50,920	93.2	250
202	GoldsboroNC · $48,320 median · prices 88.5	$54,620	$48,320	88.5	140
203	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $48,630 median · prices 89.1	$54,590	$48,630	89.1	1,240
204	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $47,690 median · prices 87.4	$54,570	$47,690	87.4	680
205	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $51,990 median · prices 95.4	$54,510	$51,990	95.4	3,160
206	MorristownTN · $47,070 median · prices 86.4	$54,500	$47,070	86.4	180
207	BirminghamAL · $49,930 median · prices 91.6	$54,480	$49,930	91.6	2,160
208	RockfordIL · $50,200 median · prices 92.2	$54,470	$50,200	92.2	870
209	BinghamtonNY · $50,560 median · prices 92.9	$54,450	$50,560	92.9	110
210	AshevilleNC · $52,540 median · prices 96.5	$54,440	$52,540	96.5	290
211	BurlingtonNC · $50,740 median · prices 93.2	$54,440	$50,740	93.2	120
212	JohnstownPA · $46,780 median · prices 85.9	$54,440	$46,780	85.9	170
213	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $50,390 median · prices 92.7	$54,360	$50,390	92.7	820
214	St. LouisMO-IL · $51,640 median · prices 95.1	$54,310	$51,640	95.1	2,820
215	Fort SmithAR-OK · $46,630 median · prices 85.9	$54,290	$46,630	85.9	400
216	FlagstaffAZ · $54,460 median · prices 100.3	$54,280	$54,460	100.3	60
217	JacksonMI · $49,790 median · prices 91.8	$54,250	$49,790	91.8	130
218	FayettevilleNC · $49,780 median · prices 92.0	$54,120	$49,780	92.0	80
219	Hot SpringsAR · $46,400 median · prices 85.7	$54,120	$46,400	85.7	110
220	CharlestonWV · $48,000 median · prices 88.7	$54,100	$48,000	88.7	190
221	EriePA · $49,180 median · prices 91.0	$54,070	$49,180	91.0	740
222	VictoriaTX · $48,580 median · prices 89.8	$54,070	$48,580	89.8	160
223	Grand JunctionCO · $51,580 median · prices 95.5	$54,020	$51,580	95.5	170
224	DothanAL · $45,210 median · prices 83.8	$53,930	$45,210	83.8	310
225	Oklahoma CityOK · $48,760 median · prices 90.4	$53,930	$48,760	90.4	2,200
226	AkronOH · $50,340 median · prices 93.4	$53,910	$50,340	93.4	1,170
227	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $54,670 median · prices 101.6	$53,830	$54,670	101.6	530
228	AlbanyGA · $47,180 median · prices 87.7	$53,820	$47,180	87.7	170
229	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $49,220 median · prices 91.5	$53,810	$49,220	91.5	1,850
230	Idaho FallsID · $50,770 median · prices 94.4	$53,770	$50,770	94.4	170
231	SpringfieldIL · $49,860 median · prices 92.7	$53,760	$49,860	92.7	100
232	ToledoOH · $49,130 median · prices 91.5	$53,720	$49,130	91.5	960
233	Ann ArborMI · $54,180 median · prices 100.9	$53,710	$54,180	100.9	220
234	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $57,290 median · prices 106.7	$53,710	$57,290	106.7	1,530
235	SaginawMI · $48,820 median · prices 90.9	$53,710	$48,820	90.9	220
236	ColumbusOH · $51,260 median · prices 95.5	$53,690	$51,260	95.5	2,190
237	SanduskyOH · $47,900 median · prices 89.3	$53,650	$47,900	89.3	200
238	YumaAZ · $49,680 median · prices 92.7	$53,590	$49,680	92.7	120
239	Utica–RomeNY · $49,630 median · prices 92.7	$53,550	$49,630	92.7	230
240	ValdostaGA · $47,240 median · prices 88.3	$53,520	$47,240	88.3	180
241	Warner RobinsGA · $50,170 median · prices 93.8	$53,490	$50,170	93.8	340
242	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $58,460 median · prices 109.4	$53,430	$58,460	109.4	200
243	SalinasCA · $58,240 median · prices 109.0	$53,410	$58,240	109.0	200
244	JoplinMO-KS · $45,770 median · prices 85.7	$53,400	$45,770	85.7	570
245	LawrenceKS · $48,180 median · prices 90.2	$53,390	$48,180	90.2	70
246	MontgomeryAL · $47,880 median · prices 89.7	$53,390	$47,880	89.7	560
247	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $51,070 median · prices 95.7	$53,370	$51,070	95.7	2,790
248	AbileneTX · $48,160 median · prices 90.4	$53,300	$48,160	90.4	290
249	Fort WayneIN · $49,300 median · prices 92.6	$53,260	$49,300	92.6	890
250	Killeen–TempleTX · $48,460 median · prices 91.1	$53,180	$48,460	91.1	400
251	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $50,030 median · prices 94.1	$53,170	$50,030	94.1	110
252	JacksonTN · $45,460 median · prices 85.5	$53,160	$45,460	85.5	600
253	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $46,980 median · prices 88.4	$53,130	$46,980	88.4	550
254	ColumbiaSC · $49,730 median · prices 93.7	$53,100	$49,730	93.7	830
255	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $47,440 median · prices 89.4	$53,090	$47,440	89.4	1,190
256	NilesMI · $49,040 median · prices 92.4	$53,090	$49,040	92.4	230
257	Harrisburg–CarlislePA · $52,330 median · prices 98.7	$53,050	$52,330	98.7	420
258	ColumbusIN · $49,320 median · prices 93.0	$53,030	$49,320	93.0	310
259	Lansing–East LansingMI · $50,370 median · prices 95.0	$53,030	$50,370	95.0	370
260	MonroeMI · $49,570 median · prices 93.5	$53,020	$49,570	93.5	240
261	ClevelandTN · $46,670 median · prices 88.1	$52,990	$46,670	88.1	120
262	Trenton–PrincetonNJ · $54,640 median · prices 103.2	$52,960	$54,640	103.2	180
263	Traverse CityMI · $49,420 median · prices 93.4	$52,930	$49,420	93.4	130
264	Waterbury–SheltonCT · $52,710 median · prices 99.8	$52,830	$52,710	99.8	200
265	SpringfieldOH · $47,780 median · prices 90.5	$52,810	$47,780	90.5	220
266	TucsonAZ · $51,150 median · prices 96.9	$52,790	$51,150	96.9	740
267	State CollegePA · $51,030 median · prices 96.8	$52,740	$51,030	96.8	140
268	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $48,600 median · prices 92.2	$52,720	$48,600	92.2	1,590
269	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $49,130 median · prices 93.3	$52,680	$49,130	93.3	1,760
270	Las CrucesNM · $47,520 median · prices 90.2	$52,680	$47,520	90.2	80
271	Santa Rosa–PetalumaCA · $56,720 median · prices 107.8	$52,620	$56,720	107.8	260
272	DaltonGA · $47,190 median · prices 89.8	$52,520	$47,190	89.8	120
273	Grants PassOR · $51,330 median · prices 97.8	$52,510	$51,330	97.8	100
274	Terre HauteIN · $46,090 median · prices 87.8	$52,500	$46,090	87.8	350
275	Lafayette–West LafayetteIN · $49,020 median · prices 93.4	$52,470	$49,020	93.4	560
276	Scranton––Wilkes–BarrePA · $49,090 median · prices 93.6	$52,470	$49,090	93.6	560
277	FlintMI · $48,810 median · prices 93.0	$52,460	$48,810	93.0	200
278	Champaign–UrbanaIL · $48,610 median · prices 92.7	$52,440	$48,610	92.7	100
279	Macon–Bibb CountyGA · $46,420 median · prices 88.5	$52,440	$46,420	88.5	210
280	BangorME · $50,590 median · prices 96.5	$52,420	$50,590	96.5	140
281	Coeur d'AleneID · $51,510 median · prices 98.3	$52,400	$51,510	98.3	230
282	Johnson CityTN · $46,070 median · prices 87.9	$52,400	$46,070	87.9	170
283	Brownsville–HarlingenTX · $45,020 median · prices 86.0	$52,360	$45,020	86.0	650
284	MidlandMI · $48,120 median · prices 91.9	$52,350	$48,120	91.9	60
285	AlbuquerqueNM · $49,980 median · prices 95.5	$52,310	$49,980	95.5	510
286	St. GeorgeUT · $50,890 median · prices 97.3	$52,290	$50,890	97.3	160
287	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $50,710 median · prices 97.0	$52,260	$50,710	97.0	120
288	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $47,740 median · prices 91.4	$52,260	$47,740	91.4	570
289	ClevelandOH · $49,040 median · prices 93.9	$52,210	$49,040	93.9	3,510
290	Prescott Valley–PrescottAZ · $51,300 median · prices 98.3	$52,210	$51,300	98.3	200
291	LaredoTX · $45,370 median · prices 87.0	$52,180	$45,370	87.0	100
292	Port St. LucieFL · $52,270 median · prices 100.2	$52,150	$52,270	100.2	290
293	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $44,210 median · prices 84.8	$52,120	$44,210	84.8	130
294	WilliamsportPA · $48,130 median · prices 92.3	$52,120	$48,130	92.3	160
295	ReddingCA · $52,450 median · prices 100.7	$52,090	$52,450	100.7	100
296	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $46,080 median · prices 88.5	$52,080	$46,080	88.5	450
297	KnoxvilleTN · $48,040 median · prices 92.6	$51,900	$48,040	92.6	1,780
298	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $52,800 median · prices 101.8	$51,880	$52,800	101.8	2,490
299	FlorenceSC · $44,990 median · prices 86.8	$51,850	$44,990	86.8	300
300	ElmiraNY · $48,820 median · prices 94.4	$51,720	$48,820	94.4	90
301	Muskegon–Norton ShoresMI · $47,850 median · prices 92.5	$51,720	$47,850	92.5	390
302	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $51,810 median · prices 100.3	$51,660	$51,810	100.3	4,580
303	Athens–Clarke CountyGA · $47,970 median · prices 93.3	$51,390	$47,970	93.3	370
304	GettysburgPA · $49,010 median · prices 95.4	$51,380	$49,010	95.4	110
305	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $49,460 median · prices 96.3	$51,340	$49,460	96.3	2,590
306	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $47,670 median · prices 92.9	$51,340	$47,670	92.9	360
307	MercedCA · $50,340 median · prices 98.3	$51,220	$50,340	98.3	310
308	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $52,410 median · prices 102.3	$51,210	$52,410	102.3	580
309	LubbockTX · $46,760 median · prices 91.3	$51,210	$46,760	91.3	500
310	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $48,920 median · prices 95.5	$51,200	$48,920	95.5	2,520
311	Boise CityID · $50,240 median · prices 98.4	$51,060	$50,240	98.4	1,400
312	MorgantownWV · $47,650 median · prices 93.3	$51,060	$47,650	93.3	140
313	LoganUT-ID · $48,920 median · prices 95.9	$51,000	$48,920	95.9	350
314	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $48,220 median · prices 94.7	$50,910	$48,220	94.7	2,510
315	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $43,490 median · prices 85.4	$50,910	$43,490	85.4	80
316	JacksonvilleFL · $50,640 median · prices 99.5	$50,900	$50,640	99.5	1,420
317	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $52,650 median · prices 103.6	$50,820	$52,650	103.6	9,320
318	OcalaFL · $48,270 median · prices 95.2	$50,690	$48,270	95.2	570
319	Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero CorridorFL · $49,770 median · prices 98.3	$50,630	$49,770	98.3	80
320	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $51,820 median · prices 102.4	$50,600	$51,820	102.4	910
321	SumterSC · $44,540 median · prices 88.0	$50,600	$44,540	88.0	170
322	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $47,860 median · prices 94.7	$50,540	$47,860	94.7	210
323	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $49,370 median · prices 97.7	$50,520	$49,370	97.7	250
324	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $49,280 median · prices 97.6	$50,510	$49,280	97.6	290
325	ModestoCA · $52,590 median · prices 104.1	$50,510	$52,590	104.1	450
326	BloomingtonIL · $47,180 median · prices 93.5	$50,440	$47,180	93.5	70
327	Winston–SalemNC · $46,370 median · prices 92.0	$50,380	$46,370	92.0	1,230
328	San AngeloTX · $46,440 median · prices 92.5	$50,230	$46,440	92.5	270
329	TallahasseeFL · $47,130 median · prices 93.9	$50,180	$47,130	93.9	220
330	Kalamazoo–PortageMI · $47,560 median · prices 94.8	$50,150	$47,560	94.8	250
331	WacoTX · $46,380 median · prices 92.5	$50,110	$46,380	92.5	630
332	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $51,630 median · prices 103.1	$50,080	$51,630	103.1	10,620
333	El PasoTX · $45,000 median · prices 89.9	$50,050	$45,000	89.9	650
334	GainesvilleGA · $48,430 median · prices 96.8	$50,050	$48,430	96.8	890
335	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $48,520 median · prices 97.1	$49,950	$48,520	97.1	820
336	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $49,930 median · prices 100.0	$49,930	$49,930	100.0	600
337	TexarkanaTX-AR · $41,920 median · prices 84.0	$49,900	$41,920	84.0	590
338	DoverDE · $48,510 median · prices 97.5	$49,750	$48,510	97.5	90
339	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $49,630 median · prices 100.1	$49,600	$49,630	100.1	5,240
340	MedfordOR · $50,270 median · prices 101.4	$49,560	$50,270	101.4	200
341	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $50,200 median · prices 101.4	$49,500	$50,200	101.4	2,020
342	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $49,930 median · prices 100.9	$49,490	$49,930	100.9	2,520
343	FresnoCA · $50,550 median · prices 102.2	$49,480	$50,550	102.2	950
344	MissoulaMT · $47,720 median · prices 96.4	$49,480	$47,720	96.4	160
345	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $56,160 median · prices 113.6	$49,450	$56,160	113.6	7,850
346	Twin FallsID · $45,550 median · prices 92.1	$49,450	$45,550	92.1	290
347	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $54,560 median · prices 110.5	$49,360	$54,560	110.5	580
348	GadsdenAL · $42,240 median · prices 85.7	$49,320	$42,240	85.7	190
349	KankakeeIL · $47,460 median · prices 96.4	$49,240	$47,460	96.4	230
350	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $53,280 median · prices 108.6	$49,060	$53,280	108.6	180
351	Stockton–LodiCA · $51,480 median · prices 105.1	$48,990	$51,480	105.1	740
352	Yuba CityCA · $51,040 median · prices 104.2	$48,970	$51,040	104.2	90
353	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $52,050 median · prices 106.4	$48,900	$52,050	106.4	3,810
354	GainesvilleFL · $47,230 median · prices 96.7	$48,830	$47,230	96.7	150
355	Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle BeachSC · $45,640 median · prices 93.6	$48,740	$45,640	93.6	130
356	Santa Maria–Santa BarbaraCA · $52,800 median · prices 108.8	$48,530	$52,800	108.8	170
357	MansfieldOH · $43,120 median · prices 88.9	$48,520	$43,120	88.9	350
358	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $48,170 median · prices 99.4	$48,480	$48,170	99.4	380
359	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $42,520 median · prices 87.9	$48,350	$42,520	87.9	270
360	ChicoCA · $48,740 median · prices 101.2	$48,160	$48,740	101.2	160
361	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $49,780 median · prices 103.9	$47,930	$49,780	103.9	90
362	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $54,590 median · prices 114.2	$47,820	$54,590	114.2	3,510
363	Punta GordaFL · $48,040 median · prices 100.5	$47,790	$48,040	100.5	60
364	HuntsvilleAL · $44,020 median · prices 93.1	$47,300	$44,020	93.1	1,810
365	BloomingtonIN · $44,730 median · prices 95.1	$47,040	$44,730	95.1	60
366	VisaliaCA · $46,850 median · prices 99.8	$46,930	$46,850	99.8	350
367	RomeGA · $42,280 median · prices 90.2	$46,890	$42,280	90.2	160
368	Hanford–CorcoranCA · $47,520 median · prices 101.6	$46,770	$47,520	101.6	60
369	TylerTX · $43,100 median · prices 92.2	$46,770	$43,100	92.2	550
370	Santa Cruz–WatsonvilleCA · $50,840 median · prices 109.9	$46,260	$50,840	109.9	90
371	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $39,710 median · prices 85.9	$46,230	$39,710	85.9	350
372	ColumbusGA-AL · $40,100 median · prices 89.3	$44,910	$40,100	89.3	330

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full welder pay page. By state: best states for welders.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 51-4121) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 welders work there. Wages exclude self-employed welders. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for welders?: After cost of living, the Lima, OH area: the median of $85,790 a year buys about what $95,670 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays welders the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the Lima, OH area has the highest median, $85,790. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 372.
What is the best big city for welders?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most welders, the Baton Rouge, LA area, 2nd overall: its median of $78,170 buys what $86,110 would nationally.
Where does welder pay go the least far?: Of the 372 metro areas ranked, the Columbus, GA-AL area, where the median of $40,100 buys about what $44,910 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 372 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for welders and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's welder pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.