Laramie vs Rock Springs: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Laramie, WY and Rock Springs, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laramie, WY | Rock Springs, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,924▲ | $50,321 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.45▲ | $24.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,276 | $39,777▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,130▲ | $45,339 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,226▲ | $58,212 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,228▲ | $69,345 |
| Total Employed | 9▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Laramie, WY offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Springs.
The salary gap between Laramie and Rock Springs is $2,603 (5.17%). Laramie's median is -5.32% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laramie spans $32,952,Rock Springs spans $29,568. Laramie 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, Laramie ($55,244 effective) pays 5.17% more than Rock Springs ($52,527 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laramie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,924/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,228)
- ✓Larger job market (9 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,244)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Laramie grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.4% growth in Rock Springs over the same period.
Laramie, WY
$56,810 (2024) → $50,893 (2025)
Rock Springs, WY
$54,016 (2024) → $48,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laramie, WY
Rock Springs, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Laramie or Rock Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laramie and Rock Springs?
Should I relocate from Laramie to Rock Springs as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Laramie vs Rock Springs?
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