Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,014▲ | $54,662 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.37▲ | $26.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,367▲ | $42,747 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,614▲ | $48,914 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,113 | $62,918▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,831 | $72,944▲ |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge is $4,352 (7.96%). Cedar Rapids's median is +5.58% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $21,464,Fort Dodge spans $30,197. Fort Dodge 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, Cedar Rapids ($66,335 effective) pays 9.71% more than Fort Dodge ($60,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,014/year)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,335)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,944)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 40.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$40,330 (2019) → $56,750 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$44,810 (2024) → $52,565 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Cedar Rapids or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Fort Dodge as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge?
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