Welders Salary

Austin vs Eagle Pass: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Austin, TX and Eagle Pass, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$61,396
$29.52/hr
Eagle Pass, TX
$48,076
$23.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXEagle Pass, TX
Median Salary$61,396$48,076
Hourly Rate$29.52$23.12
Entry Level (P10)$40,993$36,643
25th Percentile$48,938$42,617
75th Percentile$69,673$55,400
Top Earner (P90)$79,095$66,746
Total Employed2,2105
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($61,396) and Eagle Pass ($48,076) welder salaries.AustinEagle PassMedian Salary$61,396$48,076Entry Level (P10)$40,993$36,643Top Earner (P90)$79,095$66,746US Median $55,895

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eagle Pass.

The salary gap between Austin and Eagle Pass is $13,320 (27.71%). Austin's median is +9.84% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $38,102,Eagle Pass spans $30,103. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$40,993
P25$48,938
Median$61,396
P75$69,673
P90 (Top)$79,095
Eagle Pass
P10 (Entry)$36,643
P25$42,617
Median$48,076
P75$55,400
P90 (Top)$66,746

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($62,607 effective) pays 25.02% more than Eagle Pass ($50,079 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $61,396
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $62,607
Eagle Pass
Nominal: $48,076
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $50,079

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,396/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($79,095)
  • Larger job market (2,210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,607)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Eagle Pass if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Austin grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Eagle Pass over the same period.

Austin, TX

+39.2%

$42,410 (2019) → $59,040 (2025)

Eagle Pass, TX

+-6.3%

$49,333 (2024) → $46,231 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Austin or Eagle Pass?

Austin has a higher median welder salary at $61,396/year, compared to Eagle Pass at $48,076/year — a difference of $13,320 (27.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Eagle Pass?

Austin welders earn $29.52/hr while Eagle Pass hygienists earn $23.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Eagle Pass as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Eagle Pass. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $62,607, Eagle Pass = $50,079), job availability (2,210 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Austin vs Eagle Pass?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $40,993 in Austin and $36,643 in Eagle Pass. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

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