Welder Salary in Gardner, KS: $47,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Gardner, KS earns a median $47,116/year (≈ $22.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Gardner's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $51,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Gardner, Kansas, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $47,116, reflecting the region's competitive job landscape amid various welding specialties. The salary distribution shows a range from $37,698 at the 10th percentile to $65,488 at the 90th percentile, revealing significant variation based on experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments illustrate that while Gardner's average pay is attractive, it lags around 15.71% behind the national median of $55,895. Specializations, especially in pipe welding and structural welding, significantly influence earnings, with pipe welders generally earning higher wages due to their skillset and the nature of the work.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,698 | $18.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,744 | $20.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,116 | $22.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,746 | $26.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,488 | $31.49 |
Median Salary Position
15.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gardner
In Gardner, KS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,790 (2026 est.). At $47,116, the local median is 15.71% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gardner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gardner Welder Pay Compares
Gardner median: $47,116/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gardner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $50,826 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -15.71% less |
Welders in Gardner, KS earn a median of $47,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $50,826.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gardner has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gardner, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $47,116 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,833 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,817
2025 BLS Actual
$45,308
2026 Current Est.
$47,116
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,249 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,073 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,308 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gardner metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $35,817 (2019) to $45,308 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,179 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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) | $37,698 – $42,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,744 – $47,116 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,116 – $54,746 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,746 – $65,488 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Gardner
As of 2026, the job market for welders in Gardner remains relatively tight with only six welders actively employed in the area, indicating potential opportunities for skilled workers. The cost of living index at 90.9 suggests a more affordable environment, enhancing local purchasing power for welders. Employers offering the highest wages typically come from the oil and gas sectors, especially those involved in cross-country pipeline welding, while structural fabrication shops can also provide competitive pay. Factors such as specialized certifications—particularly for 6G welding—traveling positions with per-diem benefits, and the cyclical nature of the oil patch industry play critical roles in the variance of salaries. For welders looking to maximize earnings, obtaining advanced certifications, negotiating for travel work, and seeking out high-demand sectors will be essential strategies in the Gardner, KS market.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 $45,308 for weldersin the Gardner 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 Gardner 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