Welder in Killeen, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

As a welder, your earning potential in Killeen is solidly middle-of-the-pack for Texas, but the real story is in the local context. The median salary for welders in the Killeen metro area is $48,370 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.25. This is slightly below the national average of $49,590, a common pattern in smaller metro areas where the cost of living provides a balancing act. With 319 welder jobs currently in the metro and a 10-year job growth of 2%, the market is stable but not booming. It’s a place for steady work, not explosive growth.

Here’s how experience level typically translates to pay in Killeen’s market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$35,000 - $42,000	Often starts in production, fabrication shops, or as a helper. Focus on safety and basic process mastery (MIG, stick).
Mid-Level	2-7 years	$45,000 - $58,000	This is where most welders land. Proficient in multiple processes (TIG, flux-core), can read blueprints, work independently.
Senior	7-15 years	$58,000 - $70,000	Leads small teams, handles complex custom work, may be a CWI candidate. Often found in specialized manufacturing or structural.
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$65,000+	Manages a crew, oversees QC, handles client relations. Pay is tied to responsibility and niche skills.

When you compare Killeen to other Texas cities, the trade-off is clear. You’ll earn more in Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth, but you’re also competing with a much larger pool of welders and facing significantly higher living costs. For example, a welder in Dallas might earn 10-15% more, but their rent for a one-bedroom apartment is often 50% higher. Killeen offers stability and a lower barrier to entry, especially for those with military family connections, which is a huge local asset.

Insider Tip: The $48,370 median is a starting point. Your actual wage depends heavily on the industry. Welders in structural steel or pipeline work often command a premium over those in general fabrication or repair shops. Overtime is also a major factor in total take-home pay at several local employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. Earning the median salary of $48,370 means your gross monthly income is about $4,031. After Texas’s no-state-income-tax structure and federal taxes (roughly 18-22% for this bracket), your take-home pay is likely in the $3,200 - $3,400 per month range.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Welder at Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$4,031
• Estimated Taxes (18%): -$725
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,306
• Average 1BR Rent (Killeen): -$900
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Car, Insurance, Savings: ~$2,406

This budget is manageable but requires discipline. With a cost of living index of 91.8 (100 is national average), your dollar stretches farther here than in Austin or San Antonio. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $900/month is a key advantage. For a single person or a couple with one income, this allows for a life with some breathing room—money for a reliable truck, utilities, and even modest savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? In Killeen, yes, but with a caveat. The median home price in the area hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. With a $48,370 salary, a lender would likely approve you for a mortgage payment around $1,200-$1,400/month (including taxes and insurance). This is at the top end of your budget, but it’s feasible if you have a down payment and minimal other debt. It’s a much more realistic path to homeownership here than in Texas’s major metros. Many welders I know in Killeen buy homes within 5-7 years of starting their careers, especially if they partner with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

Killeen’s job market is unique, heavily influenced by Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos). This means stability, but also specific types of employers. Here’s where you’ll find welder jobs:

1. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) & Contractors: The military base is the economic engine. Civilian welders work for contractors like Amentum (formerly KBR), Vincent Engineering, or Sierra Nevada Corporation. They perform maintenance on military vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure. Hiring Trend: Consistent. Clearance can be a plus but isn't always required for base access. Jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov and contractor websites.
2. Local Fabrication & Machine Shops: Companies like Cowan Solutions and Killeen Fabricators produce custom parts, trailers, and equipment. These shops serve the local agriculture, construction, and industrial sectors. Hiring Trend: Steady, with more opportunities for generalist welders skilled in MIG and TIG.
3. Construction & Infrastructure Firms: With ongoing base development and commercial growth, firms like Barton Malow or Hensel Phelps (which have regional offices) hire welders for structural steel projects. This work is project-based but pays well, often with per diem for travel. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to construction budgets. Best to connect with union halls (Ironworkers Local 384) for these jobs.
4. Agricultural & Trail Manufacturing: Killeen is in the heart of Central Texas farming country. Companies that build trailers, fencing, and farm equipment are always in need of welders. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a seasonal uptick in spring and fall.
5. Energy Sector: While not as dominant as in Houston, there are opportunities with companies that service oil and gas equipment or work on renewable energy projects in the region. Hiring Trend: Niche, but can command a premium wage.
6. Public Sector: The City of Killeen and Bell County sometimes have openings for welders in their public works departments (fleet maintenance, water utilities). Hiring Trend: Slow but offers excellent benefits and job security. Check the City of Killeen’s HR page.

Insider Tip: The biggest secret to landing a good welder job in Killeen is the network. Join the Killeen Welders & Fabricators Facebook group. Many jobs are posted there before they hit major job boards. Also, walk into shops with a resume and a portfolio of your work.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-issued welder license. Instead, the industry relies on certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS). This is your key credential.

The Process:

1. Get Certified: You’ll need to become a Certified Welder (CW) through AWS. This involves testing on specific processes (e.g., GMAW-MIG, GTAW-TIG) and positions (e.g., 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G). You can test at a community college or an AWS-accredited test facility.
2. Cost: AWS certification testing costs between $150 - $300 per test, depending on the process and position. Many employers will pay for this once you’re hired, but having it beforehand makes you more attractive.
3. Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, a welding program at Central Texas College (CTC) or Temple College can take 6 months to 1 year. Post-program, getting your first certification typically takes another 1-3 months of practice and testing.
4. Additional Requirements: For jobs on federal projects or with certain contractors, you may need to pass a DOT physical and a drug test. No special state licensing is required for general welding work.

Insider Tip: Don’t just get one certification. If you can, get certified in at least two processes (e.g., MIG and TIG). TIG welders are in higher demand and often get paid $2-$5 more per hour. Start with MIG, as it’s more common, then add TIG as you advance.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
South Killeen	Quiet, residential, close to base access gates. Popular with military families.	$850 - $950	10-15 mins to Fort Cavazos, 15-20 to downtown shops.
East Killeen	Older, more affordable. Mix of single-family homes and apartments.	$750 - $850	15-20 mins to most employers. Can be further from the base.
Harker Heights	Suburban, newer developments, family-oriented. Slightly higher cost.	$950 - $1,100	20-25 mins to Killeen employers, but an easy commute via RR 2410.
Nolanville	Rural, very low cost of living. More house for your money, but longer commute.	$650 - $750	25-30 mins to Killeen. For those who want space and don’t mind the drive.
Killeen (Central/Downtown)	Urban, walkable to some shops and restaurants. Older, more character.	$800 - $900	5-10 mins to downtown jobs, 10-15 to base.

Personal Insight: For a single welder, South Killeen offers the best balance of safety, reasonable rent, and a short commute to the base and many shops. If you’re looking to save money aggressively, Nolanville is unbeatable, but you’ll spend more on gas and vehicle wear.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Killeen, career growth is less about jumping to a new company every year and more about specializing and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Underwater Welder: Requires additional certification (AWS D3.6M) and is extremely rare in Killeen. You’d likely need to travel or move.
  • Pipe Welder (6G): In high demand for any industrial or construction project. Can command $5-$10 over the median wage.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): The gold standard. A CWI doesn’t do as much hands-on welding but oversees quality. Salary jumps to $70,000+. Requires passing the CWI exam (a 6-hour test) and having significant field experience.
  • Flying Welder (for base contractors): Specialized work on aircraft or sensitive equipment. Requires security clearance and often pays a premium.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Welder → Lead Welder → Shop Foreman (in fabrication shops)
  2. Field Welder → Superintendent (in construction)
  3. Welder → CWI → Quality Manager (in manufacturing or infrastructure)

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 2% growth rate, the field is stable. Automation is a threat to low-skill welding, but Killeen’s mix of custom fabrication, military maintenance, and repair work insulates it from the worst of it. The welders who will thrive are those who become problem-solvers, not just hands. Learning to read complex blueprints, operate CNC plasma cutters, and manage basic QC will keep you employable and valuable.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Killeen isn’t for everyone, but for the right welder, it’s a fantastic place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Makes the $48,370 median salary go much further.	Limited Job Variety: If you hate military base work, options shrink significantly.
Stable Employment Base: Fort Cavazos provides consistent demand for services.	2% Growth: Not a dynamic, high-expansion market. Career moves are deliberate.
Strong Community for Trades: You’ll find a network of welders, union halls, and training programs.	Car-Dependent: Public transport is limited. You need a reliable vehicle.
Path to Homeownership: A realistic goal for many on a single welder’s income.	Vibe: It’s a military town with a functional, not bustling, downtown.

Final Recommendation: Killeen is an excellent choice for a mid-career welder looking for stability, a lower cost of living, and a clear path to buying a home. It’s also great for entry-level welders who want to gain experience with major contractors without competing in a saturated market. Avoid Killeen if you’re seeking a bustling urban scene, rapid career advancement in a non-military industry, or if you have a strong aversion to the military lifestyle and influence.

FAQs

1. What’s the first step if I’m moving to Killeen?
Get your AWS certifications before you arrive. Then, reach out to the Killeen Workforce Solutions office for local job leads. Secure a short-term rental (Airbnb, extended stay) for your first month to job hunt without a long-term lease.

2. Is Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) the only option?
No, but it’s the largest. If you prefer not to work directly on base, many local fabrication shops serve as subcontractors, giving you indirect access. Also, consider the construction and public sectors for non-military jobs.

3. How do networking and union presence work here?
Ironworkers Local 384 covers Killeen for structural welding. It’s a smaller union hall than in big cities, but membership can provide steady project work. For non-union, the informal network is key—shop visits and the Facebook group mentioned earlier are vital.

4. Will I need a special vehicle?
A reliable truck is the unofficial standard, especially if you take field work or need to haul equipment. A sedan is fine for shop work, but a truck opens up more opportunities, particularly in construction and agriculture.

5. What’s the deal with the cost of living index (91.8)?
It means everything—rent, groceries, utilities—is about 8.2% cheaper than the national average. This is the math that makes a $48,370 salary feel more like $52,000 would feel elsewhere. It’s the single biggest financial advantage of Killeen.