Kirkwood vs Springfield: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Kirkwood, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkwood, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,804 | $56,238▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.87 | $27.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,470▲ | $39,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,128 | $49,416▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,611 | $62,800▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,702▲ | $63,205 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.
The salary gap between Kirkwood and Springfield is $2,434 (4.52%). Springfield's median is +0.61% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkwood spans $35,232,Springfield spans $23,491. Kirkwood 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, Springfield ($63,485 effective) pays 5.72% more than Kirkwood ($60,049 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,702)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,238/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,485)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Kirkwood grew 12.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Kirkwood, MO
$46,208 (2024) → $51,740 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$42,710 (2019) → $54,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkwood, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Kirkwood or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkwood and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Kirkwood to Springfield as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Kirkwood vs Springfield?
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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
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