Las Vegas vs Sparks: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Las Vegas, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Vegas, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,293▲ | $55,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.98▲ | $26.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,405▲ | $37,606 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,189 | $49,095▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,821▲ | $66,789 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,383▲ | $82,802 |
| Total Employed | 730▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Las Vegas, NV offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sparks.
The salary gap between Las Vegas and Sparks is $4,859 (8.77%). Las Vegas's median is +7.87% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Vegas spans $43,978,Sparks spans $45,196. Sparks 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, Las Vegas ($60,164 effective) pays 6.69% more than Sparks ($56,393 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,293/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,383)
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,164)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Las Vegas grew 26.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.3% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Las Vegas, NV
$45,830 (2019) → $57,980 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$57,522 (2024) → $53,307 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Vegas, NV
Sparks, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Las Vegas or Sparks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Vegas and Sparks?
Should I relocate from Las Vegas to Sparks as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Las Vegas vs Sparks?
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