Welders Salary

Avondale vs Phoenix: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Avondale, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avondale, AZ
$53,995
$25.96/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$58,796
$28.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvondale, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$53,995$58,796
Hourly Rate$25.96$28.26
Entry Level (P10)$39,387$45,506
25th Percentile$46,575$50,841
75th Percentile$63,792$68,311
Top Earner (P90)$78,311$84,533
Total Employed145,440
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avondale ($53,995) and Phoenix ($58,796) welder salaries.AvondalePhoenixMedian Salary$53,995$58,796Entry Level (P10)$39,387$45,506Top Earner (P90)$78,311$84,533US Median $55,895

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Avondale.

The salary gap between Avondale and Phoenix is $4,801 (8.89%). Phoenix's median is +5.19% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avondale spans $38,924,Phoenix spans $39,027. Phoenix has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.

Avondale
P10 (Entry)$39,387
P25$46,575
Median$53,995
P75$63,792
P90 (Top)$78,311
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$45,506
P25$50,841
Median$58,796
P75$68,311
P90 (Top)$84,533

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($56,909 effective) pays 3.82% more than Avondale ($54,817 effective).

Avondale
Nominal: $53,995
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $54,817
Phoenix
Nominal: $58,796
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $56,909

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avondale if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($58,796/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($84,533)
  • Larger job market (5,440 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,909)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Avondale grew 0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Avondale, AZ

+0.2%

$51,842 (2024) → $51,923 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+34.3%

$42,090 (2019) → $56,540 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Avondale or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median welder salary at $58,796/year, compared to Avondale at $53,995/year — a difference of $4,801 (8.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avondale and Phoenix?

Avondale welders earn $25.96/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $28.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avondale to Phoenix as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avondale and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avondale = $54,817, Phoenix = $56,909), job availability (14 vs 5,440 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Avondale vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $39,387 in Avondale and $45,506 in Phoenix. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

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