Welder Salary in Muscatine, IA: $55,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Muscatine, IA earns a median $55,616/year (≈ $26.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $61,522 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a welder salary in Muscatine, Iowa, is projected to reach a median of $55,616, which is slightly below the national median of $55,895. The local pay scale ranges from $45,106 at the 10th percentile to as high as $75,998 at the 90th percentile. This variance reflects the distribution of welding specialties in the area, with pipe welders typically occupying the top tier due to their advanced certifications, such as the 6G pipe qualification. The demand for skilled welders, particularly those engaged in pipeline and structural welding, plays a significant role in determining compensation. Notably, Muscatine’s market presents opportunities for both local and traveling welders, illustrating the diverse landscape of this vital industry.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,106 | $21.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,941 | $24.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,616 | $26.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,938 | $30.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,998 | $36.54 |
Median Salary Position
0.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,892 (2026 est.). At $55,616, the local median is 0.5% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Welder Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $55,616/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,546 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -0.50% less |
Welders in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $55,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.50% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $59,546.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $55,616 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,522 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,278
2025 BLS Actual
$53,482
2026 Current Est.
$55,616
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,696 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,278 (2019) to $53,482 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,557 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $45,106 – $50,941 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,941 – $55,616 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,616 – $63,938 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,938 – $75,998 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Muscatine
The job market for welders in Muscatine shows a modest level of activity, with only five welders currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index at 90.4 suggests that the purchasing power for welders is relatively favorable compared to many other regions. Structural steel fabrication and pipeline welding generally offer the most competitive wages, driven by the requirement for specialized skills and certifications. Factors affecting the disparity in pay include specific qualifications, such as AWS and ASME certifications, the nature of travel work—where per-diem can substantially enhance earnings—and the skill level in niche areas like aerospace or nuclear welding. To optimize earning potential within this market, welders should pursue advanced certifications and remain flexible in seeking opportunities that combine travel with lucrative pay structures.
More salary data for Muscatine, 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 $53,482 for weldersin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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