Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $47,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $54,940, suggesting localized economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic are at play. The specific pay rates in this region are influenced by the concentration of these skilled trades and the overall economic landscape of the Fort Smith metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,950.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK region supports a dedicated workforce of 470 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 1.78, this occupation is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a specialized job market for these skilled professionals. The presence of nearly 5 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active employment opportunities within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-13.6%below the national average.
$22.8
$913
$3,957
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, infrastructure investments, and increased manufacturing activity often drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for these essential roles.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding increased skill, responsibility, and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,580 | $17.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,610 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,450 | $21.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,350 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,950 | $30.3 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,480 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's income in Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
4.894
Per 1K Jobs
1.78
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 1.8x the national concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.78 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Fort Smith, AR-OK signifies a market where this profession is 78% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong local industry presence that relies heavily on these skilled workers, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $48,790↑ 3% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $45,130↓ 5% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $47,480. This typically ranges from $35,580 for entry-level positions to $62,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 13.6% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, but it offers stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $47,480 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high concentration of these roles indicates steady demand.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($48,790) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Fort Smith welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $47,480, which is lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the concentration of welders in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.78, meaning welders are 78% more common in Fort Smith than the national average.
Does experience impact welder salaries in Fort Smith?
Yes, like most fields, experience and specialized skills significantly increase earning potential for welders, moving them up the salary scale from entry-level to senior positions.
Is the cost of living high in Fort Smith, AR-OK for welders?
No, the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK is at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $47,480 salary offers average purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 4.894 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK