Aurora vs Colorado Springs: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Aurora, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,895▲ | $57,475 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.79▲ | $27.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,129 | $45,506▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,818▲ | $49,842 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,586▲ | $65,503 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,632 | $99,238▲ |
| Total Employed | 54 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Aurora and Colorado Springs are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Aurora and Colorado Springs is $2,420 (4.21%). Aurora's median is +7.16% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $47,503,Colorado Springs spans $53,732. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($57,072 effective) pays 0.05% more than Aurora ($57,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,895/year)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,238)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,072)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Aurora grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$60,384 (2024) → $57,597 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$39,720 (2019) → $55,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Aurora or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Colorado Springs as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Aurora vs Colorado Springs?
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