Maryland Heights vs St. Louis: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Maryland Heights, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Maryland Heights, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,282 | $53,700▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.61 | $25.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,149 | $40,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,027 | $48,491▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,271 | $62,976▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,093▲ | $75,018 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,820▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Maryland Heights.
The salary gap between Maryland Heights and St. Louis is $418 (0.78%). St. Louis's median is -3.93% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Maryland Heights spans $37,944,St. Louis spans $34,701. Maryland Heights 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, Maryland Heights ($59,467 effective) pays 5.30% more than St. Louis ($56,474 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Maryland Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,093)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,467)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,700/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Maryland Heights grew 12.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Maryland Heights, MO
$45,760 (2024) → $51,238 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$41,160 (2019) → $51,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Maryland Heights, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Maryland Heights or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Maryland Heights and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Maryland Heights to St. Louis as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Maryland Heights vs St. Louis?
Related Comparisons
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