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Welder Salaries in Missouri — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Welders in Missouri earn an average of $49,460 per year ($23.78/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 10,270 welders.

Welder salaries in Missouri are below the national average by approximately $5,148. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

A solid industrial economy and stable population mean welders in Missouri enjoy reliable job security.

Missouri Welder Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Missouri after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$49,460
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$40,439

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Missouri Welder Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Missouri median of $49,460.

Your annual salary ($)

Welder Salary by Experience — Missouri

Entry Level (0–2 years)$30,700/yr · $14.76/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Missouri.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$44,019/yr · $21.16/hr
Established professional working independently in Missouri. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$54,900/yr · $26.39/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Missouri.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$71,200+/yr · $34.23/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Missouri.
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Welder Salary Trend in Missouri — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

welders pay in Missouri has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the welder workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Missouri's manufacturing and construction.

2021
$43,425
2022
$45,948
+5.8%
2023
$48,075
+4.6%
2024
$48,866
+1.6%
2026
$49,460
+1.2%

Welder Salary by City — Missouri

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Kansas City$54,900$26.39+11.0%3,594
Saint Louis$52,450$25.22+6.0%2,875
Springfield$50,950$24.50+3.0%1,848
Columbia$47,500$22.84-4.0%924
Independence$45,000$21.63-9.0%616
Jefferson City$43,050$20.70-13.0%410

Tip: Kansas City offers the highest welder salaries in Missouri at $54,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Missouri vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Missouri sits in the mid-range for welders.

Missouri — 4.8% state income tax$49,460 gross~$40,439 take-home
Iowa — 6.0%$49,450 gross-0.0% vs MO
Illinois — 4.95%$49,730 gross+0.5% vs MO
Kentucky — 4.0%$49,260 gross-0.4% vs MO

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

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Welder Job Outlook in Missouri

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
10,270Currently employed
1,027+New jobs projected

Employment for welders in Missouri is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Missouri job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean welders in Missouri enjoy reliable job security.

How to Earn More as a Welder in Missouri

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a welder in Missouri typically adds $40,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AWS Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Kansas City pays welders $54,900/yr — +11.0% above the Missouri average. Simply relocating within Missouri can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Welders who specialise in manufacturing and construction typically command premium rates in Missouri. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Iowa pays welders $49,450/yr — -0.0% vs Missouri.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a welder earn in Missouri on average?
The average welder salary in Missouri is $49,460 per year, or $23.78 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $30,700 while experienced professionals earn $71,200 or more.
Where do welders earn the most in Missouri?
Kansas City pays welders the most in Missouri at an average of $54,900 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Missouri welder salary compare to the national average?
Missouri welder salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $5,148. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
What's the after-tax salary for welders in Missouri?
A welder earning the Missouri average of $49,460 takes home approximately $40,439 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
Is welder a good career in Missouri?
Yes. Welder is a strong career choice in Missouri with steady demand projected over the next decade. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean welders in Missouri enjoy reliable job security.
What's the licensing process for welders in Missouri?
In Missouri, welders are licensed through the AWS Certification (voluntary). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the AWS Certification (voluntary) for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.