Welder Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $54,662 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $54,662/year (≈ $26.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $60,467 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, the local welder salary currently averages around $54,662 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions (P10) earning approximately $42,747 and top earners (P90) reaching up to $72,944. These figures reflect local economic adjustments based on BLS state-level data and the regional cost of living. For traveling pipe welders—who often benefit from tax-advantaged structures and per-diem allowances while working on cross-country pipelines—the potential earnings can be significantly higher than shop salaries in Fort Dodge. Consequently, the employment outlook for welders in this market is influenced by the demand for skilled trades and the peculiarities of travel-based work.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,747 | $20.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,914 | $23.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,662 | $26.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,918 | $30.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,944 | $35.07 |
Median Salary Position
2.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,197 (2026 est.). At $54,662, the local median is 2.21% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Welder Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $54,662/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,545 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -2.21% less |
Welders in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $54,662 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $59,545.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge 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.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $54,662 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,467 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,553
2025 BLS Actual
$52,565
2026 Current Est.
$54,662
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,974 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,861 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,662 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,843 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,553 (2019) to $52,565 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,843 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,290 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $42,747 – $48,914 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,914 – $54,662 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,662 – $62,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,918 – $72,944 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Fort Dodge
Examining the broader job market in Fort Dodge reveals a competitive environment, albeit with only four welders currently employed in the area. This low number not only indicates a niche market but also enhances the significance of the cost of living in determining effective take-home pay, as the city has a cost of living index of 90.4. Local employers, particularly in sectors like petrochemical and structural steel fabrication, offer the highest compensation, appealing to certified professionals. Several factors, such as certification levels, specialization, and fluctuating demand cycles—especially within oil and gas—contribute to the variations in hourly rates. For those looking to maximize their income in Fort Dodge, securing additional certifications like the 6G pipe or specializing in high-demand areas such as aerospace or nuclear welding can significantly enhance earning potential. Additionally, the option of self-employment as a mobile welder or engaging in travel work can offer advantages in terms of pay.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $52,565 for weldersin the Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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