Welder Salary in Kearney, NE: $49,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Kearney, NE earns a median $49,250/year (≈ $23.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $53,825 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Kearney, NE, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $49,250, reflecting local market dynamics that differ significantly from national averages. With an overall pay range running from $38,487 at the 10th percentile up to $69,492 at the 90th, wages vary based on specialization. Pipe welders, particularly those with 6G certifications, tend to dominate earning potential in this area, often outpacing their structural and production welding counterparts. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, illustrating how local factors influence compensation for welders. As Kearney's job market shows a steady demand for skilled workers, the competition remains essential for securing higher-paying roles, particularly in specialized sectors like pipelines and structural steel fabrication.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,487 | $18.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,358 | $21.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,250 | $23.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,433 | $27.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,492 | $33.41 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,005 (2026 est.). At $49,250, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Welder Pay Compares
Kearney median: $49,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $51,142 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -11.89% less |
Welders in Kearney, NE earn a median of $49,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $51,142.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $49,250 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,825 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,439
2025 BLS Actual
$47,360
2026 Current Est.
$49,250
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,439 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,888 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,215 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $37,439 (2019) to $47,360 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,215 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,776 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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) | $38,487 – $44,358 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,358 – $49,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,250 – $57,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,433 – $69,492 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Kearney
With only nine welders currently employed in Kearney, the local job market is relatively limited, creating a unique dynamic for job seekers. The cost of living index stands at 91.5, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national median, the purchasing power remains viable for residents. Employers in the region, such as structural steel fabrication shops and companies engaged in pipeline welding, tend to offer some of the highest wages, especially for specialized roles that require additional certifications. The disparity in pay is often driven by skill level and the specific demands of the job, with additional allowances for traveling welders, where per diem can substantially boost earnings. To maximize pay in Kearney, welders should consider pursuing advanced certifications like ASME IX, seek opportunities in high-demand markets such as nuclear power or oil pipeline projects, and stay adaptable to traveling work which can significantly enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
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 $47,360 for weldersin the Kearney 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 Kearney 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