Albany vs Gainesville: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Albany, GA and Gainesville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Gainesville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,062 | $50,362▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.58 | $24.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,923 | $43,405▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,710 | $50,362▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,576▲ | $51,756 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,265▲ | $60,553 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Gainesville, GA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Gainesville is $1,300 (2.65%). Gainesville's median is -9.90% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $38,342,Gainesville spans $17,148. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($55,963 effective) pays 7.53% more than Gainesville ($52,045 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,265)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,963)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,362/year)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Albany grew 12.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Gainesville over the same period.
Albany, GA
$42,010 (2019) → $47,180 (2025)
Gainesville, GA
$35,570 (2019) → $48,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Gainesville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Albany or Gainesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Gainesville?
Should I relocate from Albany to Gainesville as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Albany vs Gainesville?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov