Shreveport vs Zachary: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Shreveport, LA and Zachary, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shreveport, LA | Zachary, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,148▲ | $60,001 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.80▲ | $28.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,385 | $48,238▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,609 | $54,648▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,772▲ | $66,472 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,246 | $83,579▲ |
| Total Employed | 910▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Zachary.
The salary gap between Shreveport and Zachary is $6,147 (10.24%). Shreveport's median is +18.34% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shreveport spans $38,861,Zachary spans $35,341. Shreveport 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, Shreveport ($78,036 effective) pays 17.44% more than Zachary ($66,446 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,148/year)
- ✓Larger job market (910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,036)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Zachary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,579)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Shreveport grew 50.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Zachary over the same period.
Shreveport, LA
$42,400 (2019) → $63,610 (2025)
Zachary, LA
$43,671 (2024) → $57,699 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shreveport, LA
Zachary, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Shreveport or Zachary?
What is the hourly rate difference between Shreveport and Zachary?
Should I relocate from Shreveport to Zachary as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Shreveport vs Zachary?
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