South Charleston vs Weirton: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between South Charleston, WV and Weirton, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | South Charleston, WV | Weirton, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,772 | $57,621▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.45 | $27.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,577 | $39,225▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,194 | $44,237▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,646 | $63,829▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,519 | $90,586▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Weirton, WV offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Charleston.
The salary gap between South Charleston and Weirton is $8,849 (18.14%). Weirton's median is +3.09% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in South Charleston spans $26,942,Weirton spans $51,361. Weirton 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, Weirton ($64,725 effective) pays 14.79% more than South Charleston ($56,384 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Weirton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,621/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,586)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,725)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in South Charleston grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.2% growth in Weirton over the same period.
South Charleston, WV
$38,116 (2024) → $46,901 (2025)
Weirton, WV
$37,380 (2019) → $55,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Charleston, WV
Weirton, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: South Charleston or Weirton?
What is the hourly rate difference between South Charleston and Weirton?
Should I relocate from South Charleston to Weirton as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in South Charleston vs Weirton?
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