Laurel vs Lexington Park: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Laurel, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,035 | $63,268▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.90 | $30.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,310 | $46,899▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,321▲ | $48,865 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,094 | $77,597▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,284 | $91,584▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Lexington Park, MD offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Laurel and Lexington Park is $5,233 (9.02%). Lexington Park's median is +13.19% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laurel spans $37,974,Lexington Park spans $44,685. Lexington Park 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, Lexington Park ($62,791 effective) pays 18.26% more than Laurel ($53,097 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,268/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,584)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,791)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Laurel grew -7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.9% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Laurel, MD
$60,221 (2024) → $55,808 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$61,380 (2024) → $60,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laurel, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Laurel or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laurel and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Laurel to Lexington Park as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Laurel vs Lexington Park?
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