San Antonio vs Sugar Land: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between San Antonio, TX and Sugar Land, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Sugar Land, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,144 | $50,373▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.10 | $24.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,755▲ | $37,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,806▲ | $43,914 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,361▲ | $59,900 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,745▲ | $74,173 |
| Total Employed | 2,510▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Antonio and Sugar Land are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Sugar Land is $229 (0.46%). Sugar Land's median is -9.88% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $36,990,Sugar Land spans $36,973. San Antonio 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, San Antonio ($52,941 effective) pays 0.89% more than Sugar Land ($52,472 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,745)
- ✓Larger job market (2,510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,941)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Sugar Land if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,373/year)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in San Antonio grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Sugar Land over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$41,620 (2019) → $48,220 (2025)
Sugar Land, TX
$51,690 (2024) → $48,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Sugar Land, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: San Antonio or Sugar Land?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Sugar Land?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Sugar Land as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in San Antonio vs Sugar Land?
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