Raleigh vs Statesville: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Raleigh, NC and Statesville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Statesville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,212▲ | $52,326 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.46▲ | $25.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,074▲ | $39,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,073▲ | $45,828 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,413▲ | $60,886 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,665▲ | $73,613 |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Statesville.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Statesville is $6,886 (13.16%). Raleigh's median is +5.93% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $32,591,Statesville spans $34,262. Statesville 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, Raleigh ($60,324 effective) pays 7.91% more than Statesville ($55,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,665)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,324)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Statesville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Raleigh grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Statesville over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$43,800 (2019) → $56,940 (2025)
Statesville, NC
$44,555 (2024) → $50,318 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Statesville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Raleigh or Statesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Statesville?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Statesville as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Raleigh vs Statesville?
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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