Salt Lake City vs Washington: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Washington, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Washington, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,592▲ | $55,298 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.09▲ | $26.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,887▲ | $39,682 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,423▲ | $50,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,328▲ | $65,055 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,318▲ | $78,962 |
| Total Employed | 1,490▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Washington.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Washington is $7,294 (13.19%). Salt Lake City's median is +11.98% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $34,431,Washington spans $39,280. Washington 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, Salt Lake City ($62,053 effective) pays 10.08% more than Washington ($56,369 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,592/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,318)
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,053)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Washington if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Salt Lake City grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Washington over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$45,060 (2019) → $60,190 (2025)
Washington, UT
$49,555 (2024) → $53,176 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Salt Lake City or Washington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Washington?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Washington as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Salt Lake City vs Washington?
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