Welder Salary in Henderson, KY: $53,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Henderson, KY earns a median $53,559/year (≈ $25.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Henderson's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $59,976 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Henderson, Kentucky, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $53,559, which is slightly below the national median of $55,895. This salary reflects a range where entry-level positions (P10) start at $38,801, while experienced welders can earn up to $77,177 (P90). These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, accounting for local market dynamics and regional cost variations. Henderson's welding job market, while smaller with only four welders, presents opportunities for those willing to invest in equipment and commit to specialized training. The profit potential can often outweigh the initial costs of ownership, particularly for mobile rig welders targeting high-demand sectors like oil and gas.
About the Henderson Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,801 | $18.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,057 | $23.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,559 | $25.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,269 | $28.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,177 | $37.10 |
Median Salary Position
4.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Henderson
In Henderson, KY, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,376 (2026 est.). At $53,559, the local median is 4.18% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Henderson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Henderson Welder Pay Compares
Henderson median: $53,559/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Henderson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $54,764 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -4.18% less |
Welders in Henderson, KY earn a median of $53,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.18% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Kentucky state average of $54,764.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Henderson has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Henderson, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $53,559 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,976 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,715
2025 BLS Actual
$51,504
2026 Current Est.
$53,559
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Henderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,715 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,343 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,046 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,504 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,696 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Henderson metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $40,715 (2019) to $51,504 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,696 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,981 (36.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Henderson 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) | $38,801 – $48,057 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,057 – $53,559 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,559 – $60,269 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,269 – $77,177 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Henderson
While welding pays adequately, the cost of living in Henderson, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 89.3, highlights the significance of take-home income. Even with competitive salaries, welders must navigate local economic factors to make the most of their earnings. Among the best-paying job opportunities in the area are welding positions within structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline projects, and specialized sectors such as aerospace and nuclear maintenance. The disparity in welder pay can be influenced by certification levels, with 6G and ASME IX qualifications providing an edge in earnings. Additionally, those who take on traveling jobs often see substantial daily rates alongside per-diem allowances that significantly enhance overall compensation. For welders in Henderson, continuously upgrading skills and seeking certifications, especially in high-demand niches, will be essential strategies to maximize earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Henderson, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $51,504 for weldersin the Henderson 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 Henderson 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