Buffalo vs Glens Falls: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Buffalo, NY and Glens Falls, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Glens Falls, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,631 | $61,500▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.71 | $29.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,551 | $50,217▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,134 | $55,125▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,514 | $71,992▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,067▲ | $77,005 |
| Total Employed | 970▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Glens Falls are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Glens Falls is $3,869 (6.71%). Glens Falls's median is +10.03% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $33,516,Glens Falls spans $26,788. Buffalo 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, Glens Falls ($64,828 effective) pays 7.81% more than Buffalo ($60,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,067)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Glens Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,500/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,828)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Buffalo grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Glens Falls over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$44,130 (2019) → $55,420 (2025)
Glens Falls, NY
$46,380 (2019) → $59,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Glens Falls, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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