Welder Salary in Clinton, IA: $55,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Clinton, IA earns a median $55,881/year (≈ $26.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $61,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the competitive realm of welding, the 2026 projected median salary in Clinton, Iowa, stands at $55,881, making it comparable to the national median of $55,895. Welders in Clinton can expect a salary range from $44,096 at the lower end to $76,991 at the upper end, reflecting a diverse job market. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS OEWS data and take local cost-of-living adjustments into account. Traveling pipe welders often enjoy enhanced pay packages that include per-diem benefits and tax-advantaged structures, which can significantly elevate their earning potential compared to welders employed in local shops. With the growth rate anticipated at 3.99% annually over the next five years, the welder job market in Clinton, IA, remains promising for those entering the trade.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,096 | $21.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,248 | $24.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,881 | $26.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,508 | $31.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,991 | $37.01 |
Median Salary Position
0.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, IA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,895 (2026 est.). At $55,881, the local median is 0.03% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clinton Welder Pay Compares
Clinton median: $55,881/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,575 | -6.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -0.03% less |
Welders in Clinton, IA earn a median of $55,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.03% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $59,575.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clinton, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $55,881 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,815 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,480
2025 BLS Actual
$53,737
2026 Current Est.
$55,881
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,179 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,999 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,529 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,928 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,808 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,111 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,480 (2019) to $53,737 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,111 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,631 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $44,096 – $50,248 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,248 – $55,881 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,881 – $64,508 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,508 – $76,991 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Clinton
The welding job market in Clinton is relatively small, with only six welders currently employed in the area. This limited workforce has implications for local pay dynamics, particularly given Clinton's cost of living index of 90.4, which suggests that wages stretch further than in many other regions. Employers across a variety of sectors, including structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding, can influence salary variations based on specialty and certification levels. Welders certified in high-demand areas, such as 6G pipe welding or nuclear qualifications, often find the highest compensation opportunities. To optimize pay in Clinton, welders should consider specialization, pursuing additional certifications, and even exploring traveling positions that come with significant per-diem advantages. Understanding the unique economic factors driving wage disparities can help aspiring welders navigate their career paths strategically in this regional market.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
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 $53,737 for weldersin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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