Enid vs Ponca City: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Enid, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Enid, OK | Ponca City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,049▲ | $46,165 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.54▲ | $22.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,780▲ | $37,083 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,932 | $41,987▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,563▲ | $52,760 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,743▲ | $62,743 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Enid, OK offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Enid and Ponca City is $4,884 (10.58%). Enid's median is -8.67% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Enid spans $45,963,Ponca City spans $25,660. Enid 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, Enid ($60,579 effective) pays 16.66% more than Ponca City ($51,929 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Enid if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,049/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,743)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,579)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Enid grew 1.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Ponca City over the same period.
Enid, OK
$48,290 (2020) → $49,090 (2025)
Ponca City, OK
$41,297 (2024) → $44,394 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Enid or Ponca City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Enid and Ponca City?
Should I relocate from Enid to Ponca City as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Enid vs Ponca City?
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