Welder Salary in Prescott, AZ: $53,063 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Prescott, AZ earns a median $53,063/year (≈ $25.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Prescott's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $53,871 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Prescott, Arizona are projected to earn a median annual salary of $53,063, which is about 5.07% lower than the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in the area varies widely, from $41,634 at the lower end to $75,070 at the higher end, reflecting different experience levels and specializations. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. For those considering a career in welding in Prescott, the earnings can be quite competitive, especially for traveling pipe welders who benefit from per-diem opportunities and tax-advantaged structures that can significantly enhance their income compared to local shop pay.
About the Prescott Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,634 | $20.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,918 | $23.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,063 | $25.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,000 | $29.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,070 | $36.09 |
Median Salary Position
5.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prescott
In Prescott, AZ, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,436 (2026 est.). At $53,063, the local median is 5.07% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prescott: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prescott Welder Pay Compares
Prescott median: $53,063/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prescott Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $53,330 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -5.07% less |
Welders in Prescott, AZ earn a median of $53,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.07% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.50% below the Arizona state average of $53,330.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prescott has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Prescott, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $53,063 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,871 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,710
2025 BLS Actual
$51,027
2026 Current Est.
$53,063
2019–2027 Growth
+50.3%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Prescott (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,063 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prescott metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 39.0% from $36,710 (2019) to $51,027 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,470 (50.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prescott 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,634 – $47,918 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,918 – $53,063 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,063 – $62,000 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,000 – $75,070 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Prescott
With only nine welders currently employed in Prescott, the job market may seem limited, but the cost-of-living index of 98.5 suggests that wages do stretch comparatively further in this area. Employers such as structural steel fabrication shops and those focused on oil and gas pipeline welding often offer the highest pay rates, particularly as demand for skilled labor grows due to an aging workforce and a projected shortage within the industry. Those with specialized certifications, such as the 6G pipe qualification or nuclear welding certifications, command higher salaries. The variability in pay can also be attributed to whether welders are employed locally or are taking on traveling positions, as the latter often comes with additional compensation. Strategies for maximizing earnings in this market include continually upgrading skills through certifications recognized by AWS or NCCER, as well as seeking opportunities in high-demand sectors like aerospace and defense, where the premium for skilled workers is substantial.
More salary data for Prescott, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $51,027 for weldersin the Prescott metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Prescott 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