Fayetteville vs Russellville: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Russellville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Russellville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,645▲ | $47,678 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.87▲ | $22.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,079▲ | $37,743 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,482 | $43,153▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,822▲ | $55,803 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,391 | $67,608▲ |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Russellville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Russellville is $1,967 (4.13%). Fayetteville's median is -11.18% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $25,312,Russellville spans $29,865. Russellville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Russellville ($54,865 effective) pays 0.96% more than Fayetteville ($54,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,645/year)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Russellville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,608)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,865)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Fayetteville grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Russellville over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$36,680 (2019) → $47,740 (2025)
Russellville, AR
$36,954 (2024) → $45,849 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Russellville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Fayetteville or Russellville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Russellville?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Russellville as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Fayetteville vs Russellville?
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