Welder Salary in Topeka, KS: $53,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Topeka, KS earns a median $53,440/year (≈ $25.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Topeka's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $60,167 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% above the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Topeka, Kansas, can expect a median salary of $53,440, which is slightly lower than the national average of $55,895. This figure reflects the potential for a range of earnings within the profession, from $38,934 at the lower end to $74,363 for those at the top of the field. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, which highlights the economic dynamics at play in Topeka's welding market. Given lower living costs in Topeka, with a cost of living index at 88.82, the welder pay in Topeka, KS, still offers a competitive option for both entry-level and experienced professionals. This relatively affordable cost of living can add to the appeal of pursuing a career as a welder in this vibrant community.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,934 | $18.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,399 | $22.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,440 | $25.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,562 | $29.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,363 | $35.75 |
Median Salary Position
4.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
In Topeka, KS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,429 (2026 est.). At $53,440, the local median is 4.39% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Topeka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Topeka Welder Pay Compares
Topeka median: $53,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Topeka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $50,799 | +5.20% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -4.39% less |
Welders in Topeka, KS earn a median of $53,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.39% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.20% above the Kansas state average of $50,799.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Topeka has a cost of living 11.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Topeka, KS has a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $53,440 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,167 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.59% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,940
2025 BLS Actual
$51,390
2026 Current Est.
$53,440
2019–2027 Growth
+46.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,573 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Topeka metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 35.5% from $37,940 (2019) to $51,390 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,573 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,633 (46.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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) | $38,934 – $47,399 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,399 – $53,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,440 – $61,562 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,562 – $74,363 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Topeka
The local job market for welders appears robust, with approximately 330 professionals currently employed in Topeka. Given the area's cost of living, welders can enjoy an enhanced purchasing power compared to national averages. This environment is influenced by the presence of prominent employers, particularly in the structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline sectors, which typically offer higher wages. In Topeka, certification levels significantly impact the salary range; for instance, welders with advanced certifications like the 6G pipe qualification or those engaged in specialized work like nuclear welding earn substantially more. Opportunities for maximizing pay in this market include pursuing certifications through AWS or NCCER, considering mobile rig ownership for higher per-diem rates, and taking advantage of traveling positions that can boost overall earnings significantly.
More salary data for Topeka, 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 $51,390 for weldersin the Topeka 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, 7-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