Entry-Level Welder Salary in Lawrence, KS: $39,350 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,350 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,604 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,102) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the welding field in Lawrence, KS, can expect to start with salaries around $39,350, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $50,102. For early-career welders, this starting wage represents a common entry point, projected to rise as they gain experience. Within the early years, a growth trajectory is likely, with salaries climbing to approximately $47,149 at the 25th percentile as skills develop, eventually approaching the median as they establish their craft. Given the city’s labor market and demand in the industry, Lawrence appears to be a viable location for new welders seeking employment opportunities and career advancement within the trade.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level welders in Lawrence, KS typically start between $39,350 and $47,149 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,256 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,102 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Kansas of $9,000 represents just 22.87% of the starting welder pay ($39,350/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $39,350 to $47,149, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $27,256 ( 69.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,350, experienced hygienists can earn up to $66,606.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,100
2025 BLS Actual
$37,840
2026 Current Est.
$39,350
2019–2027 Growth
+35.9%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,350 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,920 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 25.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,100 in 2019 to $37,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,920. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Employers in Lawrence that frequently hire new grads include production welding shops, structural and pipe shops, and non-union pipeline contractors who need certified welders for various projects. Completing a trade school program or apprenticeship can substantially increase initial earnings, giving candidates a competitive edge. Credentials like AWS welder certification, NCCER credentials, or even specialized qualifications for nuclear work (NQA-1) serve to further enhance job prospects and starting pay. In the first three years, welders who focus on high-demand niches like 6G pipe welding can expect to progress quickly, with skilled traveling work offering substantial compensation. Continued education and skills development, particularly in advanced welding processes, will aid in maximizing wage potential and securing better job placements within the Kansas job market.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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