Welder Salary in Manhattan, KS: $52,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Manhattan, KS earns a median $52,567/year (≈ $25.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Manhattan's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.2), that paycheck buys what $58,303 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, expectations for the welder salary in Manhattan, KS, suggest a median annual income of $52,567, which reflects a slight dip compared to the national figure of $55,895. Local welders can expect a salary range from $40,036 at entry-level (P10) to a high of $65,285 (P90) for experienced professionals, according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. The compensation landscape is shaped not only by skill levels but also by work type, as traveling pipe welders who handle specialized tasks can significantly increase their earnings through per-diem arrangements, while those engaged in steady local shop work might earn less. This differentiated pay structure highlights the need for welders to consider their employment context when evaluating opportunities within the Manhattan job market, which values a diverse range of welding competencies.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,036 | $19.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,489 | $23.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,567 | $25.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,567 | $25.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,285 | $31.38 |
Median Salary Position
5.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
In Manhattan, KS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,249 (2026 est.). At $52,567, the local median is 5.95% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manhattan: You'd be above the median
How Manhattan Welder Pay Compares
Manhattan median: $52,567/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manhattan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $50,789 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -5.95% less |
Welders in Manhattan, KS earn a median of $52,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.95% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.50% above the Kansas state average of $50,789.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manhattan has a cost of living 9.84% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manhattan, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.162 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $52,567 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,303 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,930
2025 BLS Actual
$50,550
2026 Current Est.
$52,567
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,559 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,664 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manhattan metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.6% from $39,930 (2019) to $50,550 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,664 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,734 (36.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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) | $40,036 – $49,489 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,489 – $52,567 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,567 – $52,567 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,567 – $65,285 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Manhattan
With approximately 180 welders employed in the Manhattan area, the local job market offers a stable environment for those in the trade. However, cost of living factors into salary considerations, as the city's index of 90.162 indicates lower living expenses compared to the national average. This can enhance take-home pay and purchasing power for welders, particularly when they secure positions with high-demand employers in fields like oil and gas pipeline welding or manufacturing plants, which tend to pay above average. The disparity in compensation is influenced by certification levels and specialization; those with 6G pipe certification or expertise in underwater welding typically command higher wages. To maximize pay, welders should consider pursuing specialized training and certifications while also exploring traveling positions that can offer lucrative per-diem opportunities. Adjusting to market demands and being proactive in skill development can significantly influence earning potential in the Kansas welding landscape.
More salary data for Manhattan, 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 $50,550 for weldersin the Manhattan 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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