Houston vs Odessa: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Houston, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,252 | $66,002▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.97 | $31.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,015 | $44,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,324 | $51,953▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,311 | $84,929▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,209 | $87,445▲ |
| Total Employed | 15,850▲ | 790 |
Verdict
Odessa, TX offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Odessa is $5,750 (9.54%). Odessa's median is +18.08% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $45,194,Odessa spans $43,156. Houston 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, Odessa ($70,293 effective) pays 15.06% more than Houston ($61,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (15,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,002/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,445)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,293)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Houston grew 20.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Houston, TX
$47,990 (2019) → $57,940 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$55,030 (2019) → $63,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Odessa, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Houston or Odessa?
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Should I relocate from Houston to Odessa as a welder?
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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