Welder Salary in Wildwood, MO: $53,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Wildwood, MO earns a median $53,821/year (≈ $25.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Wildwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $60,068 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median welder salary in Wildwood, Missouri, of $53,821 for 2026, local welders find themselves earning just slightly below the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in this area spans from $40,454 at the lower end (P10) to $73,712 at the high end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for cost-of-living factors, suggest that Wildwood’s job market leans towards structural welding, yet pipe welding may offer higher potential earnings. As demand for skilled welders continues to grow, understanding the nuances within these specialties can significantly impact earning potential in different sectors.
About the Wildwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,454 | $19.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,166 | $22.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,821 | $25.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,524 | $29.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,712 | $35.44 |
Median Salary Position
3.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wildwood
In Wildwood, MO, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,258 (2026 est.). At $53,821, the local median is 3.71% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wildwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wildwood Welder Pay Compares
Wildwood median: $53,821/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wildwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $54,255 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -3.71% less |
Welders in Wildwood, MO earn a median of $53,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $54,255.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wildwood 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.
Wildwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $53,821 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,068 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,914
2025 BLS Actual
$51,756
2026 Current Est.
$53,821
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,551 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,124 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,756 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,969 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wildwood metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $40,914 (2019) to $51,756 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,969 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,055 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wildwood 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) | $40,454 – $47,166 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,166 – $53,821 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,821 – $61,524 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,524 – $73,712 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Wildwood
Looking at the job market specifics, there are only five welders employed in Wildwood, reflecting a competitive yet niche environment for professionals in the field. The lower cost of living index at 89.6 means that welders in this area retain a healthy purchasing power, making the local pay more attractive compared to markets with higher living costs. Employers specializing in structural steel fabrication, particularly in construction and manufacturing, generally offer competitive wages, yet those engaging in pipe fitting, especially with certifications like 6G and ASME Section IX, can command significantly higher rates. To optimize their income, welders can consider pursuing advanced certifications or engaging in traveling positions, which often include per-diem compensation and can provide substantial pay increases. In a market where specialization and certification are key differentiators, welders must remain adaptable to navigate opportunities effectively.
More salary data for Wildwood, 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 $51,756 for weldersin the Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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