Welder Salary in Surprise, AZ: $53,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Surprise, AZ earns a median $53,231/year (≈ $25.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Surprise's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $54,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Surprise, Arizona can anticipate a median annual salary of $53,231. The local pay scale for this occupation ranges from a lower bound of $39,372 to an upper limit of $78,461, reflecting the varied skill levels and specialties within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, showcasing the potential for growth in a market where ownership of equipment, such as a welding truck, often comes with significant upfront investments. The dynamics of the welding job market in Surprise point to a community adapting to both local and broader economic trends.
About the Surprise Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,372 | $18.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,451 | $22.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,231 | $25.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,346 | $30.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,461 | $37.72 |
Median Salary Position
4.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Surprise
In Surprise, AZ, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,089 (2026 est.). At $53,231, the local median is 4.77% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Surprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Surprise Welder Pay Compares
Surprise median: $53,231/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Surprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $53,338 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -4.77% less |
Welders in Surprise, AZ earn a median of $53,231 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.77% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $53,338.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Surprise 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.
Surprise, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $53,231 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,042 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,465
2025 BLS Actual
$51,189
2026 Current Est.
$53,231
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,465 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,085 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,275 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,109 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,189 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,355 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Surprise metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $40,465 (2019) to $51,189 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,355 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,890 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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) | $39,372 – $46,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,451 – $53,231 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,231 – $63,346 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,346 – $78,461 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Surprise
The employment landscape for welders in Surprise consists of around 31 individuals working in this trade, which suggests a modest but stable job market. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, welders benefit from favorable purchasing power relative to the national average. High-paying employers in the area include structural steel fabrication shops and specialized sectors such as oil and gas pipeline welding and aerospace. Factors that differentiate pay include certification levels, the specialization of work, and the nature of employment, whether it be local or traveling, the latter often incentivized with per-diem allowances. For welders seeking to maximize their earnings in Surprise, pursuing advanced certifications such as the 6G pipe certification and considering mobile welding opportunities may offer lucrative returns, especially in industries experiencing cycles of demand related to infrastructure and energy projects.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
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
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 $51,189 for weldersin the Surprise 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 Surprise 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