Welders Salary

Greeley vs Steamboat Springs: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Greeley, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Greeley, CO
$61,541
$29.59/hr
Steamboat Springs, CO
$57,748
$27.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGreeley, COSteamboat Springs, CO
Median Salary$61,541$57,748
Hourly Rate$29.59$27.77
Entry Level (P10)$45,735$42,927
25th Percentile$49,957$53,580
75th Percentile$71,524$64,944
Top Earner (P90)$79,043$79,953
Total Employed7304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Greeley ($61,541) and Steamboat Springs ($57,748) welder salaries.GreeleySteamboat SpringsMedian Salary$61,541$57,748Entry Level (P10)$45,735$42,927Top Earner (P90)$79,043$79,953US Median $55,895

Verdict

Greeley, CO offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.

The salary gap between Greeley and Steamboat Springs is $3,793 (6.57%). Greeley's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greeley spans $33,308,Steamboat Springs spans $37,026. Steamboat Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.

Greeley
P10 (Entry)$45,735
P25$49,957
Median$61,541
P75$71,524
P90 (Top)$79,043
Steamboat Springs
P10 (Entry)$42,927
P25$53,580
Median$57,748
P75$64,944
P90 (Top)$79,953

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greeley ($61,433 effective) pays 11.70% more than Steamboat Springs ($54,998 effective).

Greeley
Nominal: $61,541
CoL Index: 100.176
Adjusted: $61,433
Steamboat Springs
Nominal: $57,748
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $54,998

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Greeley if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,541/year)
  • Larger job market (730 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,433)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Steamboat Springs if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($79,953)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Greeley grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.2% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.

Greeley, CO

+28.5%

$46,070 (2019) → $59,180 (2025)

Steamboat Springs, CO

+0.2%

$55,447 (2024) → $55,532 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Greeley or Steamboat Springs?

Greeley has a higher median welder salary at $61,541/year, compared to Steamboat Springs at $57,748/year — a difference of $3,793 (6.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Greeley and Steamboat Springs?

Greeley welders earn $29.59/hr while Steamboat Springs hygienists earn $27.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Greeley to Steamboat Springs as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Greeley and Steamboat Springs. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Greeley = $61,433, Steamboat Springs = $54,998), job availability (730 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Greeley vs Steamboat Springs?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $45,735 in Greeley and $42,927 in Steamboat Springs. The Greeley area offers higher starting salaries.
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