Ardmore vs Tulsa: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Ardmore, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ardmore, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,025 | $55,687▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.61 | $26.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,420 | $41,554▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,375 | $49,499▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,900 | $64,276▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,456 | $75,642▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 4,520▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ardmore.
The salary gap between Ardmore and Tulsa is $8,662 (18.42%). Tulsa's median is -0.37% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ardmore spans $31,036,Tulsa spans $34,088. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($62,420 effective) pays 18.00% more than Ardmore ($52,897 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ardmore if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,687/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,642)
- ✓Larger job market (4,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,420)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Ardmore grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ardmore, OK
$42,066 (2024) → $45,221 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$43,080 (2019) → $53,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ardmore, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Ardmore or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Ardmore to Tulsa as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Ardmore vs Tulsa?
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