Arecibo vs Mayaguez: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Arecibo, PR and Mayaguez, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arecibo, PR | Mayaguez, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $30,552 | $31,436▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.69 | $15.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,892 | $28,119▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $30,552▲ | $28,888 |
| 75th Percentile | $31,478 | $36,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $42,636▲ | $39,256 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Arecibo and Mayaguez are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Arecibo and Mayaguez is $884 (2.89%). Mayaguez's median is -43.76% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $15,744,Mayaguez spans $11,137. Arecibo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arecibo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($42,636)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Mayaguez if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($31,436/year)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Arecibo grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.6% growth in Mayaguez over the same period.
Arecibo, PR
$23,100 (2019) → $29,380 (2025)
Mayaguez, PR
$21,500 (2019) → $30,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arecibo, PR
Mayaguez, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Arecibo or Mayaguez?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arecibo and Mayaguez?
Should I relocate from Arecibo to Mayaguez as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Arecibo vs Mayaguez?
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