Grand Island vs Papillion: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Grand Island, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,893▲ | $47,572 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.47▲ | $22.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,726▲ | $38,310 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,290▲ | $43,338 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,732▲ | $54,435 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,288 | $64,763▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Papillion is $3,321 (6.98%). Grand Island'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 Grand Island spans $18,562,Papillion spans $26,453. Papillion has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($58,729 effective) pays 12.96% more than Papillion ($51,991 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,893/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,729)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,763)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Grand Island grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$37,610 (2019) → $48,940 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$42,556 (2024) → $45,747 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Grand Island or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Papillion as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Grand Island vs Papillion?
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