Monroe vs Raleigh: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Monroe, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Monroe, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,734 | $59,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.40 | $28.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,679 | $42,074▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,601 | $49,073▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,110 | $63,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,310 | $74,665▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.
The salary gap between Monroe and Raleigh is $8,478 (16.71%). Raleigh's median is +5.93% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Monroe spans $31,631,Raleigh spans $32,591. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($60,324 effective) pays 11.29% more than Monroe ($54,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Monroe if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,665)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,324)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Monroe grew 12.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Monroe, NC
$43,198 (2024) → $48,787 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$43,800 (2019) → $56,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Monroe, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Monroe or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Monroe and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Monroe to Raleigh as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Monroe vs Raleigh?
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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