Killeen vs San Antonio: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Killeen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Killeen, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,394▲ | $50,144 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.23▲ | $24.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,433 | $39,755▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,307 | $46,806▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,891▲ | $63,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,611 | $76,745▲ |
| Total Employed | 400 | 2,510▲ |
Verdict
Killeen and San Antonio are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Killeen and San Antonio is $250 (0.50%). Killeen's median is -9.84% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Killeen spans $36,178,San Antonio spans $36,990. San Antonio 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, Killeen ($55,298 effective) pays 4.45% more than San Antonio ($52,941 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Killeen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,394/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,298)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,745)
- ✓Larger job market (2,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Killeen grew 39.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Killeen, TX
$34,780 (2019) → $48,460 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$41,620 (2019) → $48,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Killeen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Killeen or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Killeen and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Killeen to San Antonio as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Killeen vs San Antonio?
Related Comparisons
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