Trades & Labor Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Welder Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median welder salary in Gulfport, MS is $38,548 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$38,548
vs State Avg
$-470
vs National
$-8,462
Cost of Living
82%

Welder Pay in Gulfport: What to Expect (2026)

Gulfport offers a median welder salary of $38,548, which is $470 below the Mississippi state average of $39,018. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport'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 Gulfport an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Gulfport 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. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, 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

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $31,816
Median (50th) $38,548
75th Percentile $47,724
90th Percentile $58,056

Welder Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Welder in Gulfport

Education

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

Find Welder Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open welder positions in Gulfport, MS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Welder make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median welder salary in Gulfport, Mississippi 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 Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,548, a welder in Gulfport earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for welder pay? ▼
Gulfport's median welder salary of $38,548 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $39,018. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $38,548 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Gulfport? ▼
Most welder positions in Gulfport 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.