Welder Salary in Jeffersontown, KY: $51,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Jeffersontown, KY earns a median $51,991/year (≈ $25.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Jeffersontown's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $58,221 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $51,991. This figure reflects a competitive salary range, with the lowest earners bringing in around $39,586 and the top welders making as much as $73,651. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the city's positioning in the welding trade. While Jeffersontown's median welder pay is lower than the national average of $55,895, local opportunities may still thrive, particularly for those equipped with specialized certifications or willing to engage in traveling work. The overall job market in Jeffersontown presents a promising path for welders, especially those with ambitions to expand their skills or business ownership.
About the Jeffersontown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,586 | $19.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,936 | $22.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,991 | $25.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,924 | $29.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,651 | $35.41 |
Median Salary Position
6.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jeffersontown
In Jeffersontown, KY, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,065 (2026 est.). At $51,991, the local median is 6.98% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jeffersontown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jeffersontown Welder Pay Compares
Jeffersontown median: $51,991/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jeffersontown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $54,785 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -6.98% less |
Welders in Jeffersontown, KY earn a median of $51,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.98% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.10% below the Kentucky state average of $54,785.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jeffersontown 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.
Jeffersontown, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,991 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,221 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,522
2025 BLS Actual
$49,996
2026 Current Est.
$51,991
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Jeffersontown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,522 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,104 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,996 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,065 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jeffersontown metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,522 (2019) to $49,996 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,065 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,543 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jeffersontown 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) | $39,586 – $45,936 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,936 – $51,991 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,991 – $60,924 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,924 – $73,651 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Jeffersontown
The local welding job market in Jeffersontown employs five welders, demonstrating a niche yet significant demand for these skilled trades. With a cost of living index of 89.3, the area is relatively affordable, allowing welders to stretch their take-home earnings further compared to many other US regions. Among various employers, those engaged in pipeline welding and structural fabrication, as well as industries like petrochemical turnarounds and construction, typically offer the best pay. The disparity in income levels is largely influenced by factors such as certification levels, with 6G pipe and specialized TIG welding commanding higher premiums. Additionally, rig welder ownership can yield substantial returns, albeit necessitating significant upfront equipment investments ranging from $80,000 to $150,000. Welders looking to maximize their salary in Jeffersontown should focus on acquiring advanced certifications and exploring the benefits of traveling positions that often include per-diem compensation.
More salary data for Jeffersontown, 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 $49,996 for weldersin the Jeffersontown 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 Jeffersontown 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