Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $48,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $54,940, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for highly specialized welding skills compared to more industrialized areas. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in shaping compensation levels for these essential trade roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,170.
- Outlook: The job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southwest Oklahoma appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 340 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.98 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized regional demand or a smaller overall labor pool from which to draw. While the workforce size is modest, the elevated concentration points to a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape for these skilled trades.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earns-11.0%below the national average.
$23.5
$940
$4,073
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area have likely experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of materials, demand for infrastructure projects, and the ongoing need for skilled tradespeople often contribute to upward pressure on wages in such sectors.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and a proven track record can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on advanced skills, extensive experience, and the ability to handle complex welding and fabrication tasks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,990 | $16.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,660 | $17.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,980 | $23.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,100 | $29.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,170 | $30.4 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $48,880 in Southwest Oklahoma aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to this area for this specific role does not present an immediate advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living relative to income.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
5.438
Per 1K Jobs
1.98
Location Quotient
Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area has 2.0x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.98, the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area exhibits a strong concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, nearly double the national average. This suggests that the demand for these skills is relatively robust within the region, or that the overall workforce is smaller, making these professionals more sought after. While not necessarily indicating a shortage, the high concentration implies a specialized market where these skills are valued and consistently utilized.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,380↑ 3% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,460↑ 11% | 69 mi |
| Enid, OK Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,160↑ 9% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is $48,880. This typically ranges from $34,990 for entry-level positions to $63,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 11.0% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, not comparatively lucrative.The average salary of $48,880 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. The high concentration indicates regional demand but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($50,380) and Tulsa, OK.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southwest Oklahoma is $48,880, which is lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.98?
An LQ of 1.98 means that the concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southwest Oklahoma is nearly double the national average, indicating a specialized regional market.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?
No, the cost of living in Southwest Oklahoma is at the national average (index of 100), meaning the lower nominal salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
How many Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers work in this region?
There are approximately 340 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.438 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 Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area