Welders Salary

Dallas vs Friendswood: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Dallas, TX and Friendswood, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$53,690
$25.81/hr
Friendswood, TX
$48,833
$23.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXFriendswood, TX
Median Salary$53,690$48,833
Hourly Rate$25.81$23.48
Entry Level (P10)$40,774$38,464
25th Percentile$48,023$44,206
75th Percentile$65,171$57,163
Top Earner (P90)$79,989$69,260
Total Employed10,6208
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($53,690) and Friendswood ($48,833) welder salaries.DallasFriendswoodMedian Salary$53,690$48,833Entry Level (P10)$40,774$38,464Top Earner (P90)$79,989$69,260US Median $55,895

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Friendswood.

The salary gap between Dallas and Friendswood is $4,857 (9.95%). Dallas's median is -3.94% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $39,215,Friendswood spans $30,796. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$40,774
P25$48,023
Median$53,690
P75$65,171
P90 (Top)$79,989
Friendswood
P10 (Entry)$38,464
P25$44,206
Median$48,833
P75$57,163
P90 (Top)$69,260

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($52,081 effective) pays 2.38% more than Friendswood ($50,868 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $53,690
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $52,081
Friendswood
Nominal: $48,833
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $50,868

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,690/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($79,989)
  • Larger job market (10,620 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,081)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Friendswood if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Dallas grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Friendswood over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+30.9%

$39,430 (2019) → $51,630 (2025)

Friendswood, TX

+-6.3%

$50,110 (2024) → $46,959 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Dallas or Friendswood?

Dallas has a higher median welder salary at $53,690/year, compared to Friendswood at $48,833/year — a difference of $4,857 (9.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Friendswood?

Dallas welders earn $25.81/hr while Friendswood hygienists earn $23.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Friendswood as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Friendswood. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $52,081, Friendswood = $50,868), job availability (10,620 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Dallas vs Friendswood?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $40,774 in Dallas and $38,464 in Friendswood. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

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