Kansas City vs Wichita: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Kansas City, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,039▲ | $56,352 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.87▲ | $27.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,431▲ | $40,577 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,137▲ | $47,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,474▲ | $68,644 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,859▲ | $74,758 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 1,460▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Wichita is $3,687 (6.54%). Kansas City's median is +7.41% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $45,428,Wichita spans $34,181. Kansas City 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, Kansas City ($66,050 effective) pays 4.25% more than Wichita ($63,355 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,859)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,050)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Kansas City grew 25.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$46,196 (2024) → $57,735 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$43,680 (2019) → $54,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Kansas City or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Wichita as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Kansas City vs Wichita?
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