Welder Salary in Hays, KS: $47,571 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Hays, KS earns a median $47,571/year (≈ $22.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $52,333 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, the 2026 median annual salary for welders is projected to be $47,571, which reflects a significant contrast when compared to the national median of $55,895. Welders in the region can expect salaries to range between $38,782 at the 10th percentile to as high as $65,227 at the 90th percentile. These figures have been informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, including the cost of living index of 90.9, which indicates a lower than average living expense in Hays. Prospective welders will find that the investment required for rig welder ownership, often ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 for a qualified welding truck, can significantly affect their earning potential, especially when considering the ability to operate under various contracts, which may offer higher hourly rates for independent operators.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,782 | $18.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,718 | $21.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,571 | $22.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,828 | $26.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,227 | $31.36 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,445 (2026 est.). At $47,571, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Welder Pay Compares
Hays median: $47,571/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $50,824 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -14.89% less |
Welders in Hays, KS earn a median of $47,571 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $50,824.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays 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.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $47,571 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,333 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,163
2025 BLS Actual
$45,746
2026 Current Est.
$47,571
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,610 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,554 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,746 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,571 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,469 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $36,163 (2019) to $45,746 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,469 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,306 (36.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $38,782 – $43,718 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,718 – $47,571 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,571 – $54,828 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,828 – $65,227 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Hays
The local job market for welders in Hays remains relatively small, with only five welders employed in the area. This limited pool suggests a niche market where wages can fluctuate based on a mix of certifications and specialties. With the cost of living being 10% below the national average, welders may find that their salaries afford them decent purchasing power in the Hays area. Employers offering the most competitive wages typically include oil and gas pipeline welding operations or structural fabrication shops that demand advanced skills like 6G pipe certification. Moreover, traveling welders often secure higher pay—sometimes receiving an additional 30-50% in per diem benefits, depending on job requirements. To maximize pay in Hays, welders should consider acquiring specialized certifications or seeking traveling positions, which tend to yield notable financial rewards compared to standard local roles.
More salary data for Hays, 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 $45,746 for weldersin the Hays 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 Hays 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