Ashland vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,443 | $52,900▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.77 | $25.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,286 | $42,709▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,358 | $49,333▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,041 | $62,737▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,448 | $73,167▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,790▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville/Jefferson County is $3,457 (6.99%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -5.36% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $29,162,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $30,458. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($56,836 effective) pays 2.65% more than Ashland ($55,367 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,900/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,167)
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,836)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Ashland grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$40,777 (2024) → $47,546 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$40,400 (2019) → $50,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Ashland or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville/Jefferson County as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Ashland vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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