Phoenix vs Sierra Vista: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Sierra Vista, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Sierra Vista, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,796▲ | $55,281 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.26▲ | $26.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,506▲ | $39,017 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,841▲ | $45,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,311 | $72,325▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,533 | $94,922▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,440▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sierra Vista.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Sierra Vista is $3,515 (6.36%). Phoenix's median is +5.19% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $39,027,Sierra Vista spans $55,905. Sierra Vista 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, Sierra Vista ($61,944 effective) pays 8.85% more than Phoenix ($56,909 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,796/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Sierra Vista if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,922)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,944)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Phoenix grew 34.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.0% growth in Sierra Vista over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$42,090 (2019) → $56,540 (2025)
Sierra Vista, AZ
$60,420 (2020) → $53,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Sierra Vista, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Phoenix or Sierra Vista?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sierra Vista?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Sierra Vista as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Phoenix vs Sierra Vista?
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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