Entry-Level Welder Salary in Hays, KS: $38,782 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,782 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,664 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,571) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, those entering the welding field in 2026 can expect a starting salary of around $38,782, which sets a realistic foundation for new graduates. This initial income falls below the city's median welder salary of $47,571, revealing a notable gap. As entry-level professionals gain experience and improve their skill sets, they can anticipate movement through the pay spectrum, with potential earnings rising to approximately $43,718 at the 25th percentile and aiming for the median within a few years. Hays presents a viable market for new welders due to a steady growth rate of 3.99% annually in this profession, making it an attractive location for budding welders seeking opportunities in fabrication and metalworking.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Entry-level welders in Hays, KS typically start between $38,782 and $43,718 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,445 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,571 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Kansas of $9,000 represents just 23.21% of the starting welder pay ($38,782/year) in Hays. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AWS-aligned welding certificate and associate programs at community colleges and technical schools. Costs vary significantly based on program length (6 months vs 2 years) and specialty certifications (structural, pipe, underwater).
WLD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $38,782 to $43,718, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the welding field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hays, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Welder Compensation Range
The welder wage spread in Hays is $26,445 ( 68.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,782, experienced hygienists can earn up to $65,227.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,009
2025 BLS Actual
$37,294
2026 Current Est.
$38,782
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,795 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,625 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,004 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,489 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,782 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,329 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,009 in 2019 to $37,294 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,329. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your welding Career in Hays
Employers in Hays that actively hire recent graduates include various production welding shops and construction firms looking for helpers or fitters. They often provide entry-level positions suitable for those with a welding certificate from a trade school or a relevant apprenticeship. Non-union pipeline contractors also represent a significant opportunity, as they recruit certified welders for substantial projects, while union memberships, such as those with UA pipefitters or Boilermakers, can lead to structured apprenticeships that span 4-5 years. To maximize their starting welder pay in KS, new graduates should consider additional credentials like AWS certifications for different processes, NCCER credentialing, and specialized qualifications such as NQA-1 for nuclear work, which command higher wages. Early in their careers, welders should focus on advancing skills in coveted areas like pipe welding, particularly if they can attain 6G certification. The growing demand for welders, as indicated by a projected shortage of 360,000 by 2027, offers ample room for realistic salary growth in Hays, where diligent welders can strive for higher earnings as they gain experience.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new welding graduates. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov