St. Louis vs Jefferson City: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between St. Louis, MO and Jefferson City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Jefferson City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,700▲ | $53,638 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.82▲ | $25.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,317▲ | $39,901 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,491 | $49,634▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,976▲ | $61,427 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,018▲ | $61,427 |
| Total Employed | 2,820▲ | 360 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Jefferson City is $62 (0.12%). St. Louis's median is -3.93% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $34,701,Jefferson City spans $21,526. St. Louis 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, Jefferson City ($60,970 effective) pays 7.96% more than St. Louis ($56,474 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,700/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,018)
- ✓Larger job market (2,820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,970)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in St. Louis grew 25.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.9% growth in Jefferson City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$41,160 (2019) → $51,640 (2025)
Jefferson City, MO
$36,620 (2019) → $51,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Jefferson City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: St. Louis or Jefferson City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Jefferson City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Jefferson City as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in St. Louis vs Jefferson City?
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