Colorado Springs vs Lafayette: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,475 | $59,267▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.63 | $28.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,506▲ | $42,162 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,842 | $53,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,503 | $67,237▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,238▲ | $84,198 |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs and Lafayette are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Lafayette is $1,792 (3.12%). Lafayette's median is +6.03% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $53,732,Lafayette spans $42,036. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($57,072 effective) pays 1.11% more than Lafayette ($56,445 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,238)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,072)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,267/year)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Colorado Springs grew 39.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.2% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$39,720 (2019) → $55,270 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$56,906 (2024) → $56,993 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Colorado Springs or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Lafayette as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Colorado Springs vs Lafayette?
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