Bear vs Smyrna: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,475▲ | $52,663 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.20▲ | $25.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,008 | $42,051▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,272▲ | $47,714 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,141▲ | $60,093 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,973▲ | $71,170 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $1,812 (3.44%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $29,965,Smyrna spans $29,119. Bear has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bear ($53,564 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($51,783 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,475/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,973)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,564)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Bear grew -4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.0% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Bear, DE
$54,578 (2024) → $52,385 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$52,762 (2024) → $50,642 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Bear or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Bear to Smyrna as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Bear vs Smyrna?
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