Trades & Labor Missouri (MO) Rank #43 of 50

Welder Salary in Missouri

The median welder salary in Missouri is $41,369 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$41,369
vs National
$-5,641
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Welder Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #43 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $41,369 per year, welders in Missouri earn $5,641 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $41,369 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $29,216, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $62,304 — a $33,088 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $43,249.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level welder earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $34,144
Median (50th) $41,369
75th Percentile $51,216
90th Percentile $62,304

Welder Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for welders in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Missouri

How much does a Welder make in Missouri? ▼
The median welder salary in Missouri is $41,369 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $62,304 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,369, a welder in Missouri earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for welders? ▼
Missouri ranks #43 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $28,160, while senior professionals earn $59,840.
How does Missouri compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Missouri's median of $41,369 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($41,839) and Tennessee ($41,839).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level welder in Missouri earns approximately $28,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $59,840.
What city in Missouri pays welders the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for welders, with a median salary of $43,249. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.