Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,900▲ | $50,498 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.44▲ | $24.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,709▲ | $40,868 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,333▲ | $46,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,737▲ | $61,146 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,167▲ | $69,237 |
| Total Employed | 1,790▲ | 310 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $2,402 (4.76%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -5.36% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $30,458,Paducah spans $28,369. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Paducah ($58,661 effective) pays 3.21% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($56,836 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,900/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,167)
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,661)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 25.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.7% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$40,400 (2019) → $50,870 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$47,750 (2024) → $48,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Paducah as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
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