Manhattan vs Overland Park: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Manhattan, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,567▲ | $51,638 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.27▲ | $24.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,036▲ | $35,628 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,489▲ | $43,117 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,567 | $60,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,285 | $78,042▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Manhattan, KS offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Overland Park.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Overland Park is $929 (1.80%). Manhattan's median is -5.95% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $25,249,Overland Park spans $42,414. Overland 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, Manhattan ($58,303 effective) pays 2.63% more than Overland Park ($56,807 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,567/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,303)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,042)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Manhattan grew 26.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Overland Park over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$39,930 (2019) → $50,550 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$46,193 (2024) → $49,657 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Manhattan or Overland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Overland Park?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Overland Park as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Manhattan vs Overland 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