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Welder Salary in Kansas City, MO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Kansas City's cost of living (index: 92). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Welder Salary in Kansas City β€” Key Numbers

$43,737
Median Salary
$34,472
25th Percentile
$55,642
75th Percentile
$70,408
90th Percentile
National median (Welder)$47,540
vs. National median-8.0%
Kansas City median household income$67,800
vs. City household income-35.5%

Cost of Living in Kansas City

Cost of Living Index
92(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,146/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.4%
Annual rent cost$13,752
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary6.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$54,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Kansas City

3.7%
Unemployment Rate
2,230,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
35.7
Median Age

Kansas City has a metro population of 2,230,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Welder Salary β€” Other Missouri Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Welder make in Kansas City, MO?

The estimated median salary for a Welder in Kansas City is $43,737 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $47,540 adjusted by Kansas City's cost of living index (92). The typical salary range runs from $34,472 (25th percentile) to $55,642 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $70,408.

Is Kansas City affordable for a Welder?

On a $43,737 annual salary, a Welder in Kansas City would spend approximately 31.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,146/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $270,000 is 6.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Welder's salary compare to Kansas City's overall income?

Kansas City's median household income is $67,800. A Welder earning the city-adjusted median of $43,737 earns 35.5% less than the typical Kansas City household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Kansas City has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.