Bremerton vs Des Moines: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Bremerton, WA and Des Moines, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bremerton, WA | Des Moines, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,582▲ | $61,673 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.86▲ | $29.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,915▲ | $46,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,966▲ | $53,943 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,636▲ | $71,693 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,404▲ | $86,649 |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Bremerton, WA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Bremerton and Des Moines is $12,909 (20.93%). Bremerton's median is +33.43% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bremerton spans $49,489,Des Moines spans $40,627. Bremerton 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, Bremerton ($70,622 effective) pays 22.98% more than Des Moines ($57,424 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bremerton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,582/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,404)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,622)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Bremerton grew 27.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.1% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Bremerton, WA
$56,470 (2019) → $71,720 (2025)
Des Moines, WA
$65,973 (2024) → $59,307 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bremerton, WA
Des Moines, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Bremerton or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bremerton and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Bremerton to Des Moines as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Bremerton vs Des Moines?
Related Comparisons
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