Welder Salary in Overland Park, KS: $51,638 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Overland Park, KS earns a median $51,638/year (≈ $24.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Overland Park's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $56,807 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective welders in Overland Park, Kansas can expect to earn a median annual salary of $51,638 in 2026, though the range can vary significantly from $35,628 at the low end to a maximum of $78,042 for highly skilled positions. These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional cost structures, indicating notable earning potential. Traveling pipe welders, especially those with 6G certifications, can amplify their income substantially through per-diem arrangements and tax-advantaged structures, often resulting in pay that exceeds local shop salaries. The welding job market in Overland Park appears resilient and competitive, drawing attention from both regional employers and welders seeking better compensation.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,628 | $17.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,117 | $20.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,638 | $24.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,608 | $29.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,042 | $37.52 |
Median Salary Position
7.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Overland Park
In Overland Park, KS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,414 (2026 est.). At $51,638, the local median is 7.62% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Overland Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Overland Park Welder Pay Compares
Overland Park median: $51,638/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Overland Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $50,825 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -7.62% less |
Welders in Overland Park, KS earn a median of $51,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.62% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.60% above the Kansas state average of $50,825.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Overland Park 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.
Overland Park, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,638 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,807 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,254
2025 BLS Actual
$49,657
2026 Current Est.
$51,638
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,254 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,825 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,657 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,638 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,699 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Overland Park metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,254 (2019) to $49,657 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,699 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,445 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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) | $35,628 – $43,117 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,117 – $51,638 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,638 – $60,608 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,608 – $78,042 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Overland Park
Currently, there are 29 welders employed in the area, suggesting a tight-knit community where local job dynamics play a significant role in compensation. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, wages in Overland Park can stretch further than in higher-cost urban environments, making salaries somewhat more attractive despite lower overall figures compared to the national average. Among the various employers, those in sectors like oil and gas pipeline welding, nuclear maintenance, and specialized fabrication may offer the most competitive rates, especially given the heightened demand for certifications such as ASME IX and NQA-1. The disparity in pay often stems from factors like specialization and geographical trends, where traveling welders can enjoy considerable premiums. Welders looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing advanced certifications, building experience in high-demand specialties, and maintaining flexibility to take on traveling assignments, which can significantly increase their financial prospects in Overland Park.
More salary data for Overland Park, 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 $49,657 for weldersin the Overland Park 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 Overland Park 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