Welder Salary in Independence, KY: $54,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Independence, KY earns a median $54,333/year (≈ $26.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $60,843 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Independence, Kentucky earn a median annual salary of $54,333, slightly below the national median of $55,895. Salary ranges for this profession vary considerably, with the lowest earnings at $40,896 (P10) and potential top-tier welders seeing salaries as high as $76,479 (P90). These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and account for regional price differences. The local market is particularly influenced by the predominance of pipe welding jobs, which often command higher wages compared to structural or production welding. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those looking to thrive in Independence’s welding sector.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,896 | $19.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,613 | $22.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,333 | $26.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,247 | $30.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,479 | $36.77 |
Median Salary Position
2.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,583 (2026 est.). At $54,333, the local median is 2.79% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Welder Pay Compares
Independence median: $54,333/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $54,771 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -2.79% less |
Welders in Independence, KY earn a median of $54,333 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.79% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $54,771.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence 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.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $54,333 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,843 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,303
2025 BLS Actual
$52,248
2026 Current Est.
$54,333
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,955 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,212 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,572 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,524 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,248 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,303 (2019) to $52,248 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,198 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $40,896 – $47,613 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,613 – $54,333 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,333 – $63,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,247 – $76,479 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Independence
In Independence, the welder job market remains relatively stable, with only five welders currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 89.3, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which can positively affect take-home pay. Employers in this region that typically offer the highest wages include those involved in oil and gas pipeline welding, particularly for jobs on cross-country projects. Pay levels are often contingent upon certification, with higher premiums for specialized skills such as 6G pipe and nuclear welding. Additionally, the fluctuation in wages is influenced by travel-related work, which can include significant per-diem additions. Welders in Independence can enhance their earnings by pursuing higher certifications and seeking out travel opportunities, especially in industries like aerospace and petrochemical, where skill premiums are substantial.
More salary data for Independence, 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 $52,248 for weldersin the Independence 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 Independence 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