Elizabethtown vs Owensboro: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,290▲ | $53,763 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.95▲ | $25.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,914▲ | $41,762 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,524▲ | $46,785 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,781▲ | $53,763 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,937▲ | $62,571 |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 410 |
Verdict
Elizabethtown, KY offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Owensboro is $8,527 (15.86%). Elizabethtown's median is +11.44% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $23,023,Owensboro spans $20,809. Elizabethtown 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, Elizabethtown ($68,774 effective) pays 13.35% more than Owensboro ($60,674 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,290/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,937)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,774)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Elizabethtown grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.0% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$48,160 (2019) → $59,900 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$38,570 (2019) → $51,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Elizabethtown or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Owensboro?
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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