Ames vs Cedar Rapids: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Ames, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,897▲ | $59,014 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.27▲ | $28.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,241 | $47,367▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,215▲ | $49,614 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,716▲ | $62,113 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,788▲ | $68,831 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Ames and Cedar Rapids is $1,883 (3.19%). Ames's median is +8.95% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $27,547,Cedar Rapids spans $21,464. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($68,555 effective) pays 3.35% more than Cedar Rapids ($66,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,897/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,788)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,555)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Ames grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.7% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ames, IA
$44,530 (2019) → $58,560 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$40,330 (2019) → $56,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Ames or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ames to Cedar Rapids as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Ames vs Cedar Rapids?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov