Entry-Level Welder Salary in Cody, WY: $39,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,975 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,728 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,476) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cody, Wyoming, new graduates entering the welding field can expect a starting welder salary around $39,975 in 2026, which places them on the lower end of the pay scale compared to the city's median annual salary of $51,476. This initial position not only offers a modest beginning but also paves the way for promising career growth, as welders may see their earnings increase with experience and skill development. The first few years in the profession can show a gradual climb in pay, with potential salaries reaching $45,818 at the 25th percentile, ultimately moving closer to the median. The work environment in Cody currently presents a decent opportunity for fresh graduates, thanks to its steady demand for certified welders.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level welders in Cody, WY typically start between $39,975 and $45,818 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,345 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,476 — 7.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Wyoming of $12,000 represents just 30.02% of the starting welder pay ($39,975/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $39,975 to $45,818, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Welder Compensation Range
The welder wage spread in Cody is $28,345 ( 70.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,975, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,320.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,870
2025 BLS Actual
$38,441
2026 Current Est.
$39,975
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,016 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,441 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,570 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,870 in 2019 to $38,441 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,570. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
Employment opportunities for new grads in Cody often come from various sectors, ranging from manufacturing to construction. Many first-time welders find positions in production welding shops or serve as helpers at structural and pipe shops, where entry-level roles can lead to significant learning experiences. Non-union pipeline contractors frequently look for certified welders for projects that span across states, while union apprenticeships with organizations like the UA pipefitters or Boilermakers provide a structured training environment. To enhance starting pay in Wyoming, aspiring welders should consider obtaining valuable credentials such as AWS certification, NQA-1 for nuclear work, or involvement in specialized programs like NCCER. In this tight-knit market, individuals aiming to excel should focus on gaining specific welding certifications—like the lucrative 6G pipe certification, which is in high demand and leads to advanced pay scales. Realistically, entry-level welders in Cody might anticipate a steady increase in their salaries over the first three years, as they accumulate skills and move toward more advanced positions in the field.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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