Welder Salary in Pocatello, ID: $60,460 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Pocatello, ID earns a median $60,460/year (≈ $29.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Pocatello's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $68,004 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.7% above the Idaho state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pocatello, ID, the welder salary in 2026 is projected to reach a median annual figure of $60,460, surpassing the national median of $55,895 by a notable margin. Welders in the area can expect to earn between $42,397 and $64,037, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. This reflects a growing demand for welding skills amidst a competitive job market, especially considering the region's investment in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and energy. The potential earnings are influenced by the economic conditions in Pocatello, as well as the necessary equipment investments associated with mobile welding operations, which can significantly impact hourly rates and overall profitability.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,397 | $20.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,191 | $25.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,460 | $29.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,198 | $29.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,037 | $30.79 |
Median Salary Position
8.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
In Pocatello, ID, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,640 (2026 est.). At $60,460, the local median is 8.17% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pocatello: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Pocatello Welder Pay Compares
Pocatello median: $60,460/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pocatello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $53,175 | +13.70% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +8.17% more |
Welders in Pocatello, ID earn a median of $60,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.17% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 13.70% above the Idaho state average of $53,175.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pocatello has a cost of living 11.09% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pocatello, ID has a cost-of-living index of 88.906 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $60,460 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,004 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,820
2025 BLS Actual
$58,140
2026 Current Est.
$60,460
2019–2027 Growth
+66.2%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,460 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,872 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pocatello metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 53.7% from $37,820 (2019) to $58,140 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,872 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,052 (66.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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) | $42,397 – $53,191 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,191 – $60,460 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,460 – $61,198 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,198 – $64,037 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Pocatello
The local job market supports around 180 welders, which contributes to a robust employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 88.906, welders in Pocatello find that their income provides more purchasing power compared to places with higher living costs. Notably, wages may vary significantly based on industry specialization. Employers in sectors like aerospace, nuclear power, and specialty pipeline welding often offer the highest compensation. Factors such as certification level and the nature of work—whether traveling or local—can widen the gap in pay. Obtaining higher-level certifications like the 6G pipe or NQA-1 can further enhance earning potential. Freelance welders who invest in mobile rigs can also maximize their income by seizing opportunities in lucrative markets, particularly with the ongoing demand for skilled labor in various sectors.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
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 $58,140 for weldersin the Pocatello 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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