Welder Salary in Clinton, MS: $44,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Clinton, MS earns a median $44,043/year (≈ $21.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $51,392 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Mississippi, the welder salary is projected to be $44,043 in 2026, significantly below the national average of $55,895. This discrepancy highlights the local economic conditions and reflects a salary range from $34,611 at the lower end (P10) to $59,011 at the high end (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, emphasizing how various welding specialties influence earnings. The welding labor market in Clinton serves various sectors, from construction to manufacturing, allowing for potential upward mobility depending on specific skills and certifications held by welders.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,611 | $16.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,499 | $18.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,043 | $21.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,810 | $23.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,011 | $28.37 |
Median Salary Position
21.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, MS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,400 (2026 est.). At $44,043, the local median is 21.2% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clinton Welder Pay Compares
Clinton median: $44,043/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $47,925 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -21.20% less |
Welders in Clinton, MS earn a median of $44,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $47,925.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clinton, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $44,043 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,392 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,481
2025 BLS Actual
$42,353
2026 Current Est.
$44,043
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,481 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,563 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,800 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $33,481 (2019) to $42,353 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,800 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,319 (36.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $34,611 – $39,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,499 – $44,043 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,043 – $49,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,810 – $59,011 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Clinton
As of now, there are only five welders employed in Clinton, which hints at a relatively small but specialized job market. The cost of living index stands at 85.7, indicating that expenses are below the national average, which can bolster purchasing power despite lower wages. Local employers that potentially offer higher pay include companies involved in structural steel fabrication, pipeline welding for oil and gas, and petrochemical refinery work. The wide pay range can often be attributed to factors such as certification levels, with 6G-certified welders commanding the upper end due to their expertise. Additionally, traveling welders can often secure per-diem that adds another layer of income flexibility. To maximize earnings in this market, welders should focus on obtaining advanced certifications, seek opportunities with traveling roles, and consider rig ownership, although the $80,000 to $150,000 investment can be substantial. Continued demand for skilled welders amidst an aging workforce suggests a promising outlook for those entering the field.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
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 $42,353 for weldersin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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