Cape Girardeau vs St. Louis: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Cape Girardeau, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Girardeau, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,518 | $53,700▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.28 | $25.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,485 | $40,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,922 | $48,491▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,758 | $62,976▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,645 | $75,018▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 2,820▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cape Girardeau.
The salary gap between Cape Girardeau and St. Louis is $3,182 (6.30%). St. Louis's median is -3.93% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Girardeau spans $22,160,St. Louis spans $34,701. St. Louis 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, Cape Girardeau ($58,689 effective) pays 3.92% more than St. Louis ($56,474 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,689)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,700/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,018)
- ✓Larger job market (2,820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Cape Girardeau grew 36.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Cape Girardeau, MO
$35,660 (2019) → $48,580 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$41,160 (2019) → $51,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Girardeau, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Cape Girardeau or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Girardeau and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Cape Girardeau to St. Louis as a welder?
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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