Trades & Labor Lexington, KY Pop. 322,570

Welder Salary in Lexington, Kentucky

The median welder salary in Lexington, KY is $43,719 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$43,719
vs State Avg
+$2,820
vs National
$-3,291
Cost of Living
93%

Welder Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)

Lexington offers a median welder salary of $43,719, which is $2,820 above the Kentucky state average of $40,899. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for welders in Lexington spans from $30,876 at the 10th percentile to $65,844 at the 90th percentile — a $34,968 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,760, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,240. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level welder earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,760
$-2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,640
$-3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,240
$-4,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY

Percentile Lexington
10th Percentile $30,876
25th Percentile $36,084
Median (50th) $43,719
75th Percentile $54,126
90th Percentile $65,844

Welder Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Welder in Lexington

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Lexington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Lexington

Browse open welder positions in Lexington, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Lexington

How much does a Welder make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median welder salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $43,719 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $30,876 (10th percentile) to $65,844 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,719, a welder in Lexington earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for welder pay? ▼
Lexington's median welder salary of $43,719 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $40,899. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $43,719 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Lexington? ▼
Most welder positions in Lexington 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.