Welder Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $55,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $55,406/year (≈ $26.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $61,290 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Ottumwa, Iowa, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $55,406, which reflects a competitive position relative to the national average of $55,895. The salary range for welders in the area stretches from $44,642 at the 10th percentile to $75,452 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for growth and specialization, especially for those who invest in rig welder ownership, which requires a substantial initial investment in equipment. These salary estimates are derived from BLS state-level data along with adjustments for regional cost considerations. Potential welders in Ottumwa should be aware that the local job market is influenced by various factors, including the demand for specialty welding skills that can drive compensation higher.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,642 | $21.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,490 | $24.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,406 | $26.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,413 | $30.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,452 | $36.27 |
Median Salary Position
0.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,810 (2026 est.). At $55,406, the local median is 0.87% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Welder Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $55,406/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,576 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -0.87% less |
Welders in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $55,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.87% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $59,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa 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.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $55,406 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,290 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,118
2025 BLS Actual
$53,280
2026 Current Est.
$55,406
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,124 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,617 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,118 (2019) to $53,280 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,617 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,499 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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) | $44,642 – $50,490 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,490 – $55,406 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,406 – $63,413 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,413 – $75,452 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Ottumwa
Looking at the local job market reveals that only five welders are currently employed in Ottumwa, illustrating both the scarcity of positions and the challenges inherent in hiring for this skilled trade. The cost of living in Ottumwa, with an index of 90.4, suggests that take-home pay provides a decent standard of living within the region, although this is below the national average. Among the employers that pay the most are those involved in structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding, where specialized certifications such as 6G pipe and ASME IX significantly elevate earning potential. The pay disparity within the welding profession often stems from certification levels, specialty skills, and whether welders engage in traveling work, which can substantially boost earnings with per-diem rates. To maximize income in Ottumwa’s welding market, welders should pursue higher certifications, consider self-employment options, or seek positions with companies offering per-diem for travel, particularly in sectors like pipeline work or nuclear maintenance.
More salary data for Ottumwa, 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 $53,280 for weldersin the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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