Welder Salary in Southaven, MS: $47,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Southaven, MS earns a median $47,121/year (≈ $22.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Southaven's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $54,984 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for welders in Southaven, Mississippi, sits at $47,121 annually, showcasing a notable local figure in the context of the wider national landscape. This amount is evidently lower than the national median of $55,895, suggesting a unique economic climate for welding professionals in the area. Local salaries range from $35,977 at the 10th percentile to $65,634 at the 90th percentile, providing insights into the variation based on experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicate that individuals pursuing welding in Southaven may face economic trade-offs, particularly when considering the substantial initial investment required for rig ownership and equipment that can influence per-hour earnings.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,977 | $17.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,850 | $20.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,121 | $22.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,047 | $25.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,634 | $31.55 |
Median Salary Position
15.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Southaven
In Southaven, MS, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,657 (2026 est.). At $47,121, the local median is 15.7% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Southaven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Southaven Welder Pay Compares
Southaven median: $47,121/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Southaven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $47,887 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -15.70% less |
Welders in Southaven, MS earn a median of $47,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $47,887.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Southaven 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.
Southaven, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $47,121 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,984 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,820
2025 BLS Actual
$45,313
2026 Current Est.
$47,121
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,254 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,078 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,258 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,093 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,313 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Southaven metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $35,820 (2019) to $45,313 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,181 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southaven 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) | $35,977 – $41,850 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,850 – $47,121 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,121 – $54,047 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,047 – $65,634 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Southaven
In Southaven, a total of 14 welders are currently employed, reflecting the area’s moderate market strength. The cost-of-living index of 85.7, well below the national average, means that welders’ salaries, while lower than the national figures, may stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Employers in industries such as structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and manufacturing are known to offer higher pay, particularly for specialized skills like 6G pipe welding or industries requiring NQA-1 certification. The disparity in welder pay Southaven MS can often be attributed to factors like certification level and traveling versus local work, where traveling jobs offer per-diem that can significantly enhance earnings. To maximize their pay, welders should seek additional certifications and consider opportunities in booming sectors as well as traveling positions, which may provide financial benefits despite the challenges of being away from home.
More salary data for Southaven, 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 $45,313 for weldersin the Southaven 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 Southaven 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