Welder Salary in Gulfport, MS: $65,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Gulfport, MS earns a median $65,971/year (≈ $31.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Gulfport's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.0), that paycheck buys what $73,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 37.7% above the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, MS, the projected median annual salary for welders in 2026 is $65,971, which positions them significantly above the national median of $55,895. With a salary range from $40,515 at the lower end to $65,971 at the top tier, the local market reflects a strong demand for skilled welders. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reveals a competitive environment where specialized positions, particularly in pipe welding, tend to dominate the market. Given the increasing complexity of welding projects in the region, including those related to oil and gas and petrochemical sectors, the varying pay among welders hinges greatly on their certification levels, such as 6G pipe and ASME IX qualifications, which can lead to higher earnings in Gulfport.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,515 | $19.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,139 | $25.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,971 | $31.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,971 | $31.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,971 | $31.72 |
Median Salary Position
18.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
In Gulfport, MS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,456 (2026 est.). At $65,971, the local median is 18.03% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gulfport: You'd be in the top 10% of earners
How Gulfport Welder Pay Compares
Gulfport median: $65,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gulfport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $47,909 | +37.70% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +18.03% more |
Welders in Gulfport, MS earn a median of $65,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.03% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 37.70% above the Mississippi state average of $47,909.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gulfport has a cost of living 9.99% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gulfport, MS has a cost-of-living index of 90.006 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $65,971 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,296 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,130
2025 BLS Actual
$63,440
2026 Current Est.
$65,971
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gulfport metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 13.0% from $56,130 (2019) to $63,440 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,474 (22.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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) | $40,515 – $53,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,139 – $65,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,971 – $65,971 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,971 – $65,971 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Gulfport
Gulfport's job market supports around 2,220 welders, underscoring a robust presence within the local economy. Despite a lower cost of living index sitting at 90.006, which provides an advantage for purchasing power, the income potential for welders remains influenced by specific industry demands. Top-paying employers in the area include structural steel fabrication facilities, oil and gas pipeline operations, and shipyards. The differences in pay can be substantial, dictated by factors such as certification requirements, specialty knowledge, and the nature of employment—whether it be local work or traveling jobs that often include per-diem allowances. To optimize earning potential, welders in Gulfport should pursue advanced certifications and consider opportunities in high-demand fields such as underwater welding or nuclear maintenance, as these areas often provide the highest financial returns in today’s evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Gulfport, 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 $63,440 for weldersin the Gulfport 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, 5-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