Trades & Labor Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Welder Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median welder salary in Sioux City, IA is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$39,488
vs State Avg
$-2,351
vs National
$-7,522
Cost of Living
84%

Welder Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median welder salary of $39,488, which is $2,351 below the Iowa state average of $41,839. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $39,488 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Sioux City spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $59,472 at the 90th percentile — a $31,584 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,120. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level welder earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $32,592
Median (50th) $39,488
75th Percentile $48,888
90th Percentile $59,472

Welder Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$44,660
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$43,249
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$41,369
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$40,429
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Welder in Sioux City

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Sioux City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open welder positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Welder make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median welder salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $59,472 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,488, a welder in Sioux City earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for welder pay? ▼
Sioux City's median welder salary of $39,488 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $41,839. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $39,488 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Sioux City? ▼
Most welder positions in Sioux City require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.