Trades & Labor Kansas (KS) Rank #46 of 50

Welder Salary in Kansas

The median welder salary in Kansas is $40,899 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$40,899
vs National
$-6,111
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Welder Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #46 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,899 per year, welders in Kansas earn $6,111 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $40,899 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $28,884, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $61,596 — a $32,712 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $45,130.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level welder earns around $27,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,160 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,160
$-8,840 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $40,899? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $28,884
25th Percentile $33,756
Median (50th) $40,899
75th Percentile $50,634
90th Percentile $61,596

Welder Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for welders in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Kansas

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 427,300 other Welders.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Welder Roles in Kansas?

Get matched with recruiters hiring welders in Kansas at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Kansas

How much does a Welder make in Kansas? ▼
The median welder salary in Kansas is $40,899 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $28,884 (10th percentile) to $61,596 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,899, a welder in Kansas earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for welders? ▼
Kansas ranks #46 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $27,840, while senior professionals earn $59,160.
How does Kansas compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Kansas's median of $40,899 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($41,369) and Alabama ($40,899).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level welder in Kansas earns approximately $27,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $59,160.
What city in Kansas pays welders the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for welders, with a median salary of $45,130. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.