Welder Salary in Moscow, ID: $51,851 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Moscow, ID earns a median $51,851/year (≈ $24.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Moscow's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $54,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a welder salary in Moscow, ID is projected to reach a median of $51,851, trailing the national figure of $55,895 by about 7.23%. This local pay scale varies widely, with the lower 10% earning $37,523 and the higher 90% earning $74,282, which reflects the diverse nature of welding jobs in the area. Estimated figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. It's noteworthy that while local employers may offer competitive shop rates, many welders supplement their income by taking on traveling assignments, which can provide a substantial per-diem tax advantage. This dynamic makes understanding the potential earning landscape crucial for both new entrants and seasoned professionals in Moscow’s job market.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,523 | $18.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,327 | $21.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,851 | $24.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,304 | $29.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,282 | $35.71 |
Median Salary Position
7.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moscow
In Moscow, ID, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,759 (2026 est.). At $51,851, the local median is 7.23% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moscow: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moscow Welder Pay Compares
Moscow median: $51,851/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moscow Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $53,181 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -7.23% less |
Welders in Moscow, ID earn a median of $51,851 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.23% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.50% below the Idaho state average of $53,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moscow has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moscow, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,851 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,408 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,416
2025 BLS Actual
$49,862
2026 Current Est.
$51,851
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Moscow (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,416 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,101 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,851 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,920 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moscow metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,416 (2019) to $49,862 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,920 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,504 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow 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) | $37,523 – $44,327 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,327 – $51,851 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,851 – $61,304 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,304 – $74,282 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Moscow
With only six welders employed in Moscow, the local job market is limited, but it offers unique opportunities for those willing to invest in certifications like the 6G pipe and ASME Section IX. The cost of living, reflected in a CoL index of 95.3, means that welders' take-home pay can stretch further than in higher-cost areas, enhancing the appeal of welding jobs here. Higher salaries are often found in specialized sectors such as oil and gas pipeline construction, aerospace, and underwater welding. The wage distribution in Moscow reflects the differences in skills and work types, with traveling welders commanding higher pay due to per-diem compensation and the investment in portable equipment. To maximize pay, welders should consider pursuing additional qualifications and exploring traveling roles, particularly in sectors experiencing cyclical demand spikes, ensuring they stay competitive in the evolving market.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Moscow, ID in 2026?
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Can welders make $100K in Moscow?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted welder salary in Moscow?
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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 $49,862 for weldersin the Moscow 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 Moscow 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