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Welder Salary in Memphis, TN β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Memphis's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Welder Salary in Memphis β€” Key Numbers

$39,934
Median Salary
$31,475
25th Percentile
$50,803
75th Percentile
$64,285
90th Percentile
National median (Welder)$47,540
vs. National median-16.0%
Memphis median household income$50,200
vs. City household income-20.5%

Cost of Living in Memphis

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$908/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.3%
Annual rent cost$10,896
Median Home Price$195,000
Home Price / Salary4.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$39,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.9 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 Memphis

5.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,360,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
35.4
Median Age

Memphis has a metro population of 1,360,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Welder make in Memphis, TN?

The estimated median salary for a Welder in Memphis is $39,934 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $47,540 adjusted by Memphis's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $31,475 (25th percentile) to $50,803 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $64,285.

Is Memphis affordable for a Welder?

On a $39,934 annual salary, a Welder in Memphis would spend approximately 27.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($908/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Memphis relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $195,000 is 4.9Γ— the annual salary.

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

Memphis's median household income is $50,200. A Welder earning the city-adjusted median of $39,934 earns 20.5% less than the typical Memphis household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Memphis 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.