Welders Salary

Mesquite vs Reno: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Mesquite, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mesquite, NV
$51,671
$24.84/hr
Reno, NV
$61,146
$29.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMesquite, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$51,671$61,146
Hourly Rate$24.84$29.40
Entry Level (P10)$38,171$47,804
25th Percentile$47,767$50,664
75th Percentile$57,868$71,982
Top Earner (P90)$71,400$83,452
Total Employed6390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mesquite ($51,671) and Reno ($61,146) welder salaries.MesquiteRenoMedian Salary$51,671$61,146Entry Level (P10)$38,171$47,804Top Earner (P90)$71,400$83,452US Median $55,895

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesquite.

The salary gap between Mesquite and Reno is $9,475 (18.34%). Reno's median is +9.39% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesquite spans $33,229,Reno spans $35,648. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.

Mesquite
P10 (Entry)$38,171
P25$47,767
Median$51,671
P75$57,868
P90 (Top)$71,400
Reno
P10 (Entry)$47,804
P25$50,664
Median$61,146
P75$71,982
P90 (Top)$83,452

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($60,532 effective) pays 15.16% more than Mesquite ($52,565 effective).

Mesquite
Nominal: $51,671
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $52,565
Reno
Nominal: $61,146
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $60,532

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mesquite if…

  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,146/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,452)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,532)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Mesquite grew -7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Reno over the same period.

Mesquite, NV

+-7.3%

$53,617 (2024) → $49,688 (2025)

Reno, NV

+41.4%

$41,590 (2019) → $58,800 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Mesquite or Reno?

Reno has a higher median welder salary at $61,146/year, compared to Mesquite at $51,671/year — a difference of $9,475 (18.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mesquite and Reno?

Mesquite welders earn $24.84/hr while Reno hygienists earn $29.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mesquite to Reno as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mesquite and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mesquite = $52,565, Reno = $60,532), job availability (6 vs 390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Mesquite vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $38,171 in Mesquite and $47,804 in Reno. The Reno area offers higher starting salaries.
JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

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