Welder Salary in Kokomo, IN: $51,849 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Kokomo, IN earns a median $51,849/year (≈ $24.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Kokomo's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $57,836 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kokomo, Indiana, the projected median annual salary for welders in 2026 is $51,849, which falls below the national median of $55,895 by about 7.24%. The local salary range for this occupation extends from $37,811 at the 10th percentile to $85,729 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant disparity in pay based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from official data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, emphasizing the vibrant yet competitive local job market where welders can earn a decent wage. With many local welders employed in various sectors, including structural fabrication and oil and gas pipeline welding, Kokomo’s employment opportunities provide a solid foundation for growth in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,811 | $18.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,007 | $21.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,849 | $24.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,687 | $32.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,729 | $41.21 |
Median Salary Position
7.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kokomo
In Kokomo, IN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,918 (2026 est.). At $51,849, the local median is 7.24% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kokomo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kokomo Welder Pay Compares
Kokomo median: $51,849/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kokomo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $51,591 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -7.24% less |
Welders in Kokomo, IN earn a median of $51,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.24% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.50% above the Indiana state average of $51,591.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kokomo has a cost of living 10.35% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kokomo, IN has a cost-of-living index of 89.648 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,849 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,836 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.55% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,430
2025 BLS Actual
$49,860
2026 Current Est.
$51,849
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Kokomo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,849 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,918 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kokomo metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 5.1% from $47,430 (2019) to $49,860 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,918 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,488 (13.68%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kokomo metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,811 – $45,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,007 – $51,849 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,849 – $67,687 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,687 – $85,729 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Kokomo
The job market for welders in Kokomo consists of around 110 professionals, reflecting steady local demand in a cost-friendly environment, as indicated by a cost-of-living index of 89.648. This lower cost structure allows welders to maintain a higher purchasing power in comparison to regions with a higher cost of living. Employers in Kokomo, from fabrication shops to construction companies, contribute to the diverse pay scale, where those specializing in 6G certification, pipeline, and nuclear welding typically command the highest salaries. Factors driving the pay gap include certification levels, specialization, and the nature of work—traveling welders often receive per-diem benefits that can significantly augment their earnings. For welders looking to maximize their pay in this market, investing in certifications, seeking specialty roles, and considering opportunities in traveling work could prove advantageous in a dynamic environment like Kokomo, IN.
More salary data for Kokomo, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,860 for weldersin the Kokomo metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov