Trades & Labor Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Welder Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median welder salary in Independence, MO is $39,959 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$39,959
vs State Avg
$-1,410
vs National
$-7,051
Cost of Living
85%

Welder Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median welder salary of $39,959, which is $1,410 below the Missouri state average of $41,369. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $39,959 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,011 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Independence spans from $28,220 at the 10th percentile to $60,180 at the 90th percentile — a $31,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,200, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,800. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level welder earns around $27,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,800
$-10,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $28,220
25th Percentile $32,980
Median (50th) $39,959
75th Percentile $49,470
90th Percentile $60,180

Welder Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$43,249
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$42,309
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$41,369
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$38,548
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Welder in Independence

Education

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

Find Welder Jobs in Independence

Browse open welder positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Independence

How much does a Welder make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median welder salary in Independence, Missouri is $39,959 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $28,220 (10th percentile) to $60,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,959, a welder in Independence earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for welder pay? ▼
Independence's median welder salary of $39,959 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $41,369. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $39,959 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Independence? ▼
Most welder positions in Independence 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.