Prescott Valley vs Surprise: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Prescott Valley, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prescott Valley, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,347▲ | $53,231 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.64▲ | $25.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,192▲ | $39,372 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,996 | $46,451▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,101 | $63,346▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,415▲ | $78,461 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Prescott Valley, AZ offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Prescott Valley and Surprise is $116 (0.22%). Prescott Valley's median is -4.56% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prescott Valley spans $40,223,Surprise spans $39,089. Prescott Valley 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, Prescott Valley ($54,294 effective) pays 0.47% more than Surprise ($54,042 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prescott Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,347/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,415)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,294)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Prescott Valley grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.2% growth in Surprise over the same period.
Prescott Valley, AZ
$49,680 (2024) → $51,300 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$51,109 (2024) → $51,189 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prescott Valley, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Prescott Valley or Surprise?
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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