Huntington vs Parkersburg: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Huntington, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | Parkersburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,855 | $51,298▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.49 | $24.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,248▲ | $37,624 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,128 | $43,478▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,794 | $60,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,155▲ | $69,174 |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Huntington and Parkersburg are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Huntington and Parkersburg is $2,443 (5.00%). Parkersburg's median is -8.22% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $35,907,Parkersburg spans $31,550. Huntington 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, Parkersburg ($58,919 effective) pays 6.64% more than Huntington ($55,252 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,155)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Parkersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,298/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,919)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Huntington grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$40,540 (2019) → $46,980 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$37,940 (2019) → $49,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Huntington or Parkersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and Parkersburg?
Should I relocate from Huntington to Parkersburg as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Huntington vs Parkersburg?
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