Welder Salary in Owensboro, KY: $38,548 (2026)

Welder Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median welder salary of $38,548, which is $2,351 below the Kentucky state average of $40,899. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $38,548 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Owensboro spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $58,056 at the 90th percentile — a $30,832 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,240, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,760. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level welder earns around $26,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,240

$-5,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$39,360

$-8,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$55,760

$-12,240 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$27,224	$28,884	$33,200
25th Percentile	$31,816	$33,756	$38,800
Median (50th)	$38,548	$40,899	$47,010
75th Percentile	$47,724	$50,634	$58,200
90th Percentile	$58,056	$61,596	$70,800

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$27,224

25th Percentile

$31,816

Median (50th)

$38,548

75th Percentile

$47,724

90th Percentile

$58,056

How to Become a Welder in Owensboro

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Welder make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median welder salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $38,548 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $58,056 (90th percentile).

How much does a Welder make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $38,548, a welder in Owensboro earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for welder pay? ▼

Owensboro's median welder salary of $38,548 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $40,899. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $38,548 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Owensboro? ▼

Most welder positions in Owensboro 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.

Welder Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky