Welder Hourly Pay in Kenner, LA: $30.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Kenner, LA runs $30.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Kenner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,922 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kenner, Louisiana, the welder hourly rate is projected to reach $30.39 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This difference can have a substantial impact on the earnings of those in this profession, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers who often operate in diverse settings such as fabrication shops, oil refineries, and shipbuilding facilities. With an hourly range from $23.01 for entry-level positions to $45.12 for top earners, welders in this region have various opportunities to enhance their income based on experience and specialization. It’s important to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a glimpse into what welders can realistically expect in daily compensation as they navigate their careers across Kenner’s industrial landscape.
About the Kenner Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.01 | $184.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.84 | $214.72 |
| Median (P50) | $30.39 | $243.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.53 | $292.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.12 | $360.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenner
Based on $30.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.39/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenner, LA can expect to earn approximately $63,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,463. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kenner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.44 | $5,267 | $63,203 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.26 | $3,160 | $37,922 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.17 | $2,107 | $25,281 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Kenner) | $30.39 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Kenner, LA earn a median of $63,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.08% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% below the Louisiana state average of $64,498.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.39/hr = $37,922/year (purchasing power: $41,995).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,203/year (purchasing power: $69,992).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Kenner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Kenner grew 26.5% from $23.10/hr (2019) to $29.22/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.60/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenner metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Kenner
Evaluation of part-time welders working three days a week reveals a clear distinction in earnings compared to full-time equivalents. A part-time welder clocking 24 hours weekly can expect to take home around $37,623 annually, a factor that may influence their decision-making regarding hours and job types. For welders on the move, per diem arrangements present lucrative opportunities; many traveling pipe welders earn base rates between $40-$70 per hour, complemented by daily per diem pay ranging from $80-$175. Specialization can push earnings even higher, with refinery turnaround crews commanding $50-$80 per hour, especially during high-demand periods. The types of employers in Kenner contribute to rates as well, with structural steel fabrication often offering different compensation compared to oil and gas pipeline work. Additionally, welders who prioritize benefits might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health coverage, whereas independent mobile welders may negotiate their rates based on job specifics and equipment owner expenses. Understanding these nuances can empower welders in Kenner to better navigate their compensation landscape.
More salary data for Kenner, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Kenner. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenner is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov