Orlando vs West Palm Beach: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Orlando, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,203 | $58,046▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.09 | $27.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,097 | $41,469▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,773 | $49,588▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,009 | $69,295▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,524 | $85,700▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,020▲ | 29 |
Verdict
West Palm Beach, FL offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and West Palm Beach is $5,843 (11.19%). West Palm Beach's median is +3.85% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $30,427,West Palm Beach spans $44,231. West Palm Beach 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, West Palm Beach ($57,585 effective) pays 11.87% more than Orlando ($51,473 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose West Palm Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,046/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,700)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,585)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Orlando grew 25.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in West Palm Beach over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$40,170 (2019) → $50,200 (2025)
West Palm Beach, FL
$47,886 (2024) → $55,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Orlando or West Palm Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and West Palm Beach?
Should I relocate from Orlando to West Palm Beach as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Orlando vs West Palm Beach?
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