Welder Salary in Ballwin, MO: $51,995 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Ballwin, MO earns a median $51,995/year (≈ $25.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Ballwin's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $58,030 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Ballwin, Missouri sees a median of $51,995, which reflects a slight decrease of 6.98% compared to the national median of $55,895. Welders in the area earn within a salary range from $38,882 at the 10th percentile to $72,890 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, indicate that the most competitive pay tends to be associated with pipe welding positions, especially for those holding advanced certifications such as the 6G pipe and ASME Section IX. These specialized skills significantly enhance a welder's earnings potential, distinguishing them from more general structural or production welding roles, which are more common in the area.
About the Ballwin Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,882 | $18.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,376 | $21.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,995 | $25.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,343 | $29.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,890 | $35.04 |
Median Salary Position
6.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ballwin
In Ballwin, MO, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,008 (2026 est.). At $51,995, the local median is 6.98% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ballwin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ballwin Welder Pay Compares
Ballwin median: $51,995/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ballwin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $54,275 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -6.98% less |
Welders in Ballwin, MO earn a median of $51,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.98% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.20% below the Missouri state average of $54,275.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ballwin has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ballwin, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,995 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,030 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,526
2025 BLS Actual
$50,000
2026 Current Est.
$51,995
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Ballwin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,107 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,223 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,654 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,995 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,070 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ballwin metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,526 (2019) to $50,000 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,070 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,544 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ballwin 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) | $38,882 – $45,376 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,376 – $51,995 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,995 – $60,343 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,343 – $72,890 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Ballwin
Despite only four welders employed in Ballwin, the local market demonstrates an interesting dynamic, especially with a cost of living index of 89.6, which means lower living expenses when compared to national averages. This favorable economic environment suggests that welders can leverage their salaries for better purchasing power. The highest-paying opportunities often emerge from sectors like oil and gas pipeline welding or aerospace, where specialized certifications are crucial. Factors influencing the salary range in Ballwin include the level of expertise required, with advanced skills yielding higher pay due to increased demand. To maximize pay in Ballwin, aspiring welders should focus on obtaining high-demand certifications and consider traveling positions that offer per-diem bonuses, while also keeping an eye on the industry for shifts that could impact wages as older welders retire, contributing to workforce shortages.
More salary data for Ballwin, MO:
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 $50,000 for weldersin the Ballwin 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 Ballwin 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