Welder in Manhattan, KS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Welders considering a move to Manhattan, Kansas.

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The Salary Picture: Where Manhattan Stands

As a welder considering Manhattan, you're looking at a market where your skills are needed, but the pay reflects the region's lower cost of living. The median salary for a welder in Manhattan is $48,146/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.15/hour. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average for welders, which sits at $49,590/year. However, this dip in nominal pay is often offset by Manhattan's significantly lower living expenses.

The job market itself is stable but not booming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows there are approximately 107 welding jobs in the metro area. Over the next decade, the projected job growth is 2%, which is slower than the national average for many trades. This means opportunities are available, but competition for the best positions will be consistent. The key to commanding a higher salary here is specialization and experience.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential based on your skill level, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (Manhattan, KS)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $44,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$48,000 - $55,000
Senior	8-15 years	$56,000 - $65,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$65,000+

How does this stack up against other Kansas cities? Manhattan's welder salary is competitive for the region. For instance, in the larger Wichita metro area, salaries might be marginally higher due to more aerospace and manufacturing, but the cost of living is also higher. In smaller rural towns, you might find similar pay but far fewer job openings. Manhattan offers a balance: decent pay within a thriving, college-town environment.

Insider Tip: The $48,146 median often represents a base salary. Many local employers, especially those with federal contracts or in the agricultural sector, offer overtime, which can push total annual earnings significantly higher. A welder working 50-hour weeks could realistically add $8,000 - $12,000 to their annual income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

To understand your true financial picture in Manhattan, we need to look at your take-home pay after taxes and your largest monthly expense: rent. Let's use the median salary of $48,146/year as our baseline.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $48,146 / 12 = $4,012
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% (This is an estimate; your actual rate depends on filing status, deductions, etc.)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,130 (after taxes)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Manhattan is $817/month. This is a massive advantage compared to national averages. Here’s what a typical monthly budget might look like for a single welder earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$817	Varies by neighborhood (see section below)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150	Higher in summer for A/C, lower in winter.
Groceries	$350	Manhattan has two major grocery chains (Dillons, Hy-Vee) and a Walmart.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	Essential in Manhattan; public transport is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$200	A rough estimate; varies by employer plan.
Savings/Retirement (IRA/401k)	$300	Aim for 10-15% of take-home pay.
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, etc.)	$300	Great local beer scene, but budget accordingly.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,567
Remaining (Buffer)	~$563

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. With a healthy surplus of over $500/month after a conservative budget, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Manhattan is around $260,000. For a 20% down payment, you'd need $52,000. By saving your $563/month buffer, it would take about 8-9 years to save for the down payment. Many locals use FHA loans (requiring only 3.5% down, or $9,100) which makes homeownership accessible much sooner. Your stable welder income is a strong asset for mortgage lenders.

Where the Jobs Are: Manhattan's Major Employers

Manhattan's welding jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors: agriculture, university support, municipal infrastructure, and specialized manufacturing. Here are the primary local employers you should target:

1. Agtiv Technologies (formerly KB Components): This is one of the largest local manufacturers. They specialize in plastic injection molding for the agricultural and outdoor power equipment industries. Their maintenance department employs welders for equipment repair and fabrication. Hiring trends show steady demand for industrial maintenance welders with MIG and TIG skills.
2. City of Manhattan: The public works department is a major employer. They maintain the city's water, wastewater, and street infrastructure. Welders here work on municipal projects, repairing and installing water mains, sewer lines, and street signs. Jobs are posted on the city's official website. They offer excellent benefits and pension plans.
3. Kansas State University (K-State): The university has a massive physical plant. The facilities department employs welders for campus building maintenance, research facility fabrication (especially for the agricultural and engineering colleges), and custom projects. K-State also has its own welding program, so they often hire from within the local talent pool.
4. Rogers Group (Aggregate & Construction): While not a pure fabricator, they need welders for maintaining their fleet of heavy-duty trucks and equipment used in local construction and road projects. This is a great entry point for welders who enjoy field work and travel around the region.
5. Fort Riley Military Base: Located just west of Manhattan, Fort Riley is a massive employer. While direct civilian welding jobs on-base can be competitive and require security clearances, many contractors (like KBR or Amentum) that service the base are based in Manhattan. These companies often hire welders for infrastructure projects, vehicle maintenance, and facility upkeep.
6. Local Fabrication Shops: Smaller shops like Manhattan Iron Works or Precision Fabrication & Machining are the backbone of the city's custom metalworking. They handle everything from structural steel for new buildings to custom trailers and agricultural equipment repairs. These shops are excellent for welders who want variety and direct client interaction.

Insider Tip: The hiring cycle at K-State and the City of Manhattan often aligns with the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). Check their job boards closely in late spring and early summer. For Fort Riley contractors, networking at local trade association meetings (like the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce) is key.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas does not have a state-level licensing requirement for welders. You do not need a state license to perform welding work as an employee or a contractor. However, this doesn't mean there are no credentials. Your value is determined by your certifications.

Certifications & Training:

1. AWS Certifications: The American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are the industry standard and what local employers look for. The most common are AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel) and AWS D1.3 (Sheet Metal). AWS Certified Welder (CW) status is a major plus.
2. Military or Trade School Certificates: A certificate from a community college or a military welding school (like at Fort Riley) is highly respected.
3. Apprenticeship: Many employers in Manhattan offer on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs, especially for maintenance welder positions.

Costs & Timeline:

• Trade School/Community College: Manhattan has a strong Welding Technology program at Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC). A certificate program can cost $5,000 - $8,000 and take 9-12 months. This is your fastest, most structured path to getting certified and job-ready.
• AWS Certification Testing: If you already have skills, you can test for AWS certification at local testing facilities (often at MATC or some employers). The cost for a single certification test is typically $200 - $400.
• Timeline: A non-experienced person can go from zero to a job-ready welder with a certificate and entry-level AWS certification in about one year. If you already have experience, you can be job hunting in a few weeks to a month once you have your relevant AWS certifications in order.

Key Resource: The Kansas Department of Labor website is useful for general trade information, and the Kansas Board of Technical Professions website confirms there is no state welding license.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Choosing where to live in Manhattan depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of popular areas:

1. Southside (and the "Triangle"): This is the most popular neighborhood for working professionals. It's close to the North Central Kansas Parkway (US-24), providing quick access to Fort Riley and the industrial areas north of town. You'll find many newer apartment complexes and rental houses. Rent Estimate: A 1BR here will be around $850 - $950/month. The commute to most employers (except the far west side) is under 15 minutes.
2. Midtown: Located near K-State's campus and Aggieville, this area is a mix of older homes, student housing, and some professional rentals. It's walkable, vibrant, and has great access to bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. Commute times are excellent for jobs at K-State or downtown. Rent Estimate: $750 - $900/month for a 1BR or studio.
3. North End: This area is more residential and quiet, with a mix of older homes and newer subdivisions. It's ideal for welders who work at the City of Manhattan's public works yard or Agtiv Technologies (located on the north side). It's a bit further from downtown but offers more space for your money. Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month for a 1BR or small house.
4. West Side (near Fort Riley): If you're working for a Fort Riley contractor, this is your best bet for a short commute. It's a growing area with new apartment complexes and shopping centers. It's a straight shot to the base gate. Rent Estimate: $800 - $900/month for a 1BR.
5. Downtown/District: The core of the city, with historic buildings converted into lofts and apartments. It's the most walkable area and has the best nightlife. It's less common for welders but perfect if you value an urban lifestyle and don't mind a 10-15 minute commute. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100+ for a 1BR loft.

Insider Tip: If you have a truck or work vehicle, check the parking situation before signing a lease in Midtown or Downtown. Street parking can be a challenge, and some older buildings don't have dedicated lots.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Manhattan, career growth for a welder isn't about climbing a corporate ladder but about deepening your expertise and diversifying your skills.

Specialty Premiums:

• TIG Welding: Welders proficient in TIG (GTAW) welding, especially on aluminum or stainless steel, command a $3-$5/hour premium over general MIG welders. This is crucial for aerospace-related work (via contractors) or custom fabrication.
• Stainless Steel & Exotic Alloys: Expertise in welding sanitary piping for the food/beverage industry or specialized alloys for research facilities at K-State can lead to higher-paying project work.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): After years of experience, you can become an AWS Certified Welding Inspector. This moves you from hands-on work to quality control and inspection. CWIs in Kansas can earn $70,000 - $90,000/year. It's a great path for those who want to stay in the trade but reduce physical strain.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Shop: Many welders start in field work (construction, repairs) and move to a more stable shop fabrication role as they get older.
2. Specialist to Generalist: Mastering a niche (like pipeline welding or structural steel) can make you indispensable. Conversely, becoming a general maintenance welder who can also do machining and plumbing is highly valued in smaller shops.
3. Entrepreneurship: Manhattan's growth and the presence of K-State and Fort Riley create a constant demand for custom metalwork. Many experienced welders start side businesses or full-time shops, building everything from gates and railings to custom truck accessories.

10-Year Outlook: The 2% job growth suggests the market isn't exploding, but it's stable. The drivers of demand will be:

• Agriculture: As long as farming is central to the region, there will be a need for welding on equipment and infrastructure.
• K-State Research: New research buildings and labs (especially in the College of Engineering and Agriculture) will require specialized fabrication.
• Fort Riley: The base is a permanent fixture, ensuring a steady need for contractor services.
• Infrastructure: The City of Manhattan will always need to maintain and replace aging water and sewer lines.

Insider Tip: The most successful long-term welders in Manhattan are those who build a reputation for reliability and quality. Word-of-mouth in a city of 54,000 is powerful. Joining the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce or a trade group like the Kansas Chapter of the American Welding Society can be a game-changer for networking.

The Verdict: Is Manhattan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $48,146 salary goes much further here. Rent ($817 avg) is a huge advantage.	Lower Salary Ceiling: The median wage is slightly below the national average. Top-end earnings are capped unless you specialize or start your own business.
Stable Job Market: While growth is slow (2%), the core employers (K-State, City, Fort Riley) are recession-resistant.	Limited Diversity in Industries: You're largely tied to agriculture, education, and government. Fewer high-tech manufacturing roles.
Vibrant Community: A true college town with great food, beer, sports, and outdoor activities (Tuttle Creek Reservoir, Konza Prairie).	Competition for Top Jobs: With only 107 jobs in the metro, you'll need to stand out. Entry-level positions can be competitive.
Easy Commute: You can live almost anywhere in town and be at work in under 20 minutes.	Slower Pace: It's not a major metropolitan area. If you crave constant big-city energy, this might feel quiet.
Strong Work-Life Balance: The culture here values family and community. Overtime is available but not typically mandatory.	Weather: Kansas winters can be cold, and spring brings tornado season. Summers are hot and humid.

Final Recommendation:
Manhattan, KS, is an excellent choice for welders who are at the mid-career stage or those who prioritize quality of life and affordability over maximum salary potential. It's ideal for someone who is married or has a family, thanks to the low cost of living and safe neighborhoods. It's also a great fit for a welder who wants to specialize in a niche (like TIG or stainless) and become a local expert.

If you are a young, single welder looking for the absolute highest earning potential and a fast-paced, diverse industrial scene, a larger city like Wichita or Kansas City might be a better financial move. However, if you want to own a home, enjoy a tight-knit community, and work a stable job with a great work-life balance, Manhattan is a fantastic and practical destination.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a welding job in Manhattan?
A: While networking helps (like anywhere), it's not strictly necessary. Most employers post jobs online (City of Manhattan, K-State, indeed.com). Having your AWS certifications and a clean driving record is often more important than a personal connection. Applying directly to the companies listed above is a solid strategy.

Q: Is the job market for welders as slow as the 2% growth suggests?
A: The 2% is a long-term, statewide projection. Locally, turnover creates openings. People retire, move, or change careers. While you won't see a boom, there are almost always a few openings at any given time, especially for experienced welders. Be persistent.

Q: What's the best way to find housing as a new arrival?
A: Use online platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace (Manhattan area groups). For apartments, contact management companies directly (like The Ridge, Westview, or local firms). For houses, contact local real estate agents. It's a good idea to visit for a weekend to tour areas before committing.

Q: How important is a driver's license?
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