Welder Salary in Laramie, WY: $52,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Laramie, WY earns a median $52,924/year (≈ $25.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Laramie's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $55,244 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laramie, Wyoming, the projected median annual welder salary for 2026 is $52,924, which is slightly below the national median of $55,895. Welders in this area can expect a salary range from $39,276 at the lower end (P10) to $72,228 at the higher end (P90). These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, reflect the economic conditions of Laramie. Opportunities for welders can come with different ownership pathways, such as investing in a welding rig that requires a significant upfront cost but can yield higher hourly rates. As the market evolves, traditional welding jobs may still thrive, but understanding local factors is critical for maximizing income in Laramie's competitive landscape.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,276 | $18.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,130 | $22.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,924 | $25.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,226 | $28.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,228 | $34.72 |
Median Salary Position
5.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laramie
In Laramie, WY, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,952 (2026 est.). At $52,924, the local median is 5.32% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laramie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laramie Welder Pay Compares
Laramie median: $52,924/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laramie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $53,566 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -5.32% less |
Welders in Laramie, WY earn a median of $52,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.20% below the Wyoming state average of $53,566.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laramie has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laramie, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $52,924 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,244 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,232
2025 BLS Actual
$50,893
2026 Current Est.
$52,924
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,841 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,339 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,035 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laramie metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $40,232 (2019) to $50,893 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,035 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,803 (36.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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) | $39,276 – $46,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,130 – $52,924 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,924 – $60,226 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,226 – $72,228 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Laramie
The welding job market in Laramie employs about nine industry professionals, highlighting a tight-knit field with unique economic dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 95.8, local welders may find their purchasing power is relatively stable compared to national averages. Among the various paths in welding, employers in oil and gas pipeline welding or structural steel fabrication often offer competitive wages, particularly during periods of infrastructure development. Factors influencing salaries range from certification levels—such as the preferred 6G pipe or ASME IX qualifications—to the nature of the work. Traveling welders often see a pay boost due to per-diem arrangements, while rig ownership can significantly increase income potential despite the initial investment. For welders in Laramie, focusing on advanced certifications and seeking opportunities in high-demand specializations can enhance earning prospects, making it essential to remain proactive in skills development and market engagement.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
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 $50,893 for weldersin the Laramie 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 Laramie 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