Farmington vs South Valley: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Farmington, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,732▲ | $51,098 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.72▲ | $24.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,644▲ | $36,404 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,627▲ | $46,371 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,969▲ | $60,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,586▲ | $72,528 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Farmington and South Valley is $8,634 (16.90%). Farmington's median is +6.86% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $58,942,South Valley spans $36,124. Farmington 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, Farmington ($68,104 effective) pays 25.82% more than South Valley ($54,129 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,732/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,586)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,104)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose South Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Farmington grew -6.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$61,720 (2019) → $57,440 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$45,709 (2024) → $49,137 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Farmington or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and South Valley?
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What do entry-level welders earn in Farmington vs South Valley?
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