Austin vs Port Arthur: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Austin, TX and Port Arthur, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Port Arthur, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,396 | $62,963▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.52 | $30.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,993 | $45,986▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,938 | $54,353▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,673 | $73,052▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,095 | $89,091▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,210▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Port Arthur, TX offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Port Arthur is $1,567 (2.55%). Port Arthur's median is +12.65% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $38,102,Port Arthur spans $43,105. Port Arthur 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, Port Arthur ($65,586 effective) pays 4.76% more than Austin ($62,607 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Port Arthur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,963/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,091)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,586)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Austin grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Port Arthur over the same period.
Austin, TX
$42,410 (2019) → $59,040 (2025)
Port Arthur, TX
$52,498 (2024) → $60,547 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Port Arthur, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Austin or Port Arthur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Port Arthur?
Should I relocate from Austin to Port Arthur as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Austin vs Port Arthur?
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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