Trades & Labor Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Welder Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median welder salary in Grand Island, NE is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$39,488
vs State Avg
$-2,821
vs National
$-7,522
Cost of Living
84%

Welder Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median welder salary of $39,488, which is $2,821 below the Nebraska state average of $42,309. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $39,488 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Grand Island spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $59,472 at the 90th percentile — a $31,584 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,120. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level welder earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $32,592
Median (50th) $39,488
75th Percentile $48,888
90th Percentile $59,472

Welder Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$43,719
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$43,249
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$42,309
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$40,429
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Welder in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Welder Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open welder positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Welder make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median welder salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $59,472 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,488, a welder in Grand Island earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for welder pay? ▼
Grand Island's median welder salary of $39,488 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $42,309. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $39,488 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Grand Island? ▼
Most welder positions in Grand Island 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.