Welder Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $47,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Kennesaw, GA earns a median $47,623/year (≈ $22.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Kennesaw's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $51,153 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kennesaw, GA, the welder pay is shaped significantly by the dynamics of local versus traveling positions. With a projected median annual salary of $47,623 in 2026, wages for welders can vary widely from $36,744 to $66,407, reflecting the balance between local shop roles and lucrative traveling jobs—often enhanced by per-diem compensations and a tax-advantaged structure. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living considerations, show Kennesaw's welding market offers competitive income opportunities, though they fall about 14.80% below the national median of $55,895. As the demand for skilled welders continues, those entering the workforce in Kennesaw should be aware of these financial realities, especially between local employment and potential traveling roles that provide greater financial incentives.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,744 | $17.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,338 | $19.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,623 | $22.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,053 | $26.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,407 | $31.92 |
Median Salary Position
14.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennesaw
In Kennesaw, GA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,663 (2026 est.). At $47,623, the local median is 14.8% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kennesaw: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kennesaw Welder Pay Compares
Kennesaw median: $47,623/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kennesaw Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $49,867 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -14.80% less |
Welders in Kennesaw, GA earn a median of $47,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.80% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.50% below the Georgia state average of $49,867.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kennesaw has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kennesaw, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $47,623 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,153 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,202
2025 BLS Actual
$45,796
2026 Current Est.
$47,623
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,651 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,505 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,698 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,796 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,523 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kennesaw metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $36,202 (2019) to $45,796 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,523 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,321 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw 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) | $36,744 – $41,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,338 – $47,623 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,623 – $55,053 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,053 – $66,407 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Kennesaw
While Kennesaw currently has only eight employed welders, the relatively low level of competition may present unique opportunities for aspiring welders. The area's cost of living index is set at 93.1, slightly below the national average, which benefits local workers by enhancing their purchasing power compared to more expensive regions. Among the various sectors employing welders, structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline welding tend to offer the highest compensation. The difference in pay across roles can be influenced by the level of certification—6G pipe and ASME IX certifications typically command higher wages compared to standard structural D1.1 qualifications. Additionally, specialization in areas such as underwater welding or nuclear facilities can vastly increase earning potential; traveling welders frequently earn significantly more than their local counterparts due to per-diem allowances. For welders in Kennesaw looking to maximize their pay, pursuing higher certifications, considering traveling roles, and staying informed about sector trends can be effective strategies for securing the best salary potential.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
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 $45,796 for weldersin the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw 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