Welder Hourly Pay in Fitchburg, MA: $28.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Fitchburg, MA runs $28.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,813 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Fitchburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for welders in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, stands at $28.75, marking a competitive figure compared to the national hourly median of $26.87. This promising rate benefits both full-time welders and those seeking part-time opportunities, such as three-day workweeks, where individuals would effectively earn around $1,380 weekly for 40 hours. Welders operating in varied environments—like fabrication shops, shipyards, and construction sites—experience an hourly pay range from $21.36 for entry-level positions up to $40.07 for seasoned experts. These figures provide insight into the earning potential of welders across the region, where hourly rates are projected from comprehensive annual salary data, ensuring a realistic understanding of local compensation trends.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.36 | $170.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.99 | $199.91 |
| Median (P50) | $28.75 | $230.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.32 | $266.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.07 | $320.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fitchburg
Based on $28.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.75/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fitchburg, MA can expect to earn approximately $59,807 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,504. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fitchburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fitchburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.13 | $4,984 | $59,807 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.08 | $2,990 | $35,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.05 | $1,994 | $23,923 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Fitchburg) | $28.75 |
| 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 Fitchburg, MA earn a median of $59,813 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.01% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $60,662.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.75/hr = $35,884/year (purchasing power: $33,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,807/year (purchasing power: $55,121).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Fitchburg grew 26.5% from $21.86/hr (2019) to $27.65/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.90/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 Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
Examining the potential for welders in Fitchburg reveals intriguing contrasts between full-time and part-time income. A welder working three days a week (24 hours total) could expect to take home approximately $35,280 annually, significantly lower than full-time averages but still within an acceptable range for those balancing multiple commitments. The per diem pay structure for traveling welders presents a more lucrative option, with many securing $80 to $175 daily in addition to their base rates of $40 to $70 per hour. This reality also extends to specialized projects, such as refinery shutdowns, where welders can command $50 to $80 per hour, often doubling their rates during holidays. Additionally, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the employer; structural steel firms and private contractor jobs may pay differently than larger industrial projects. As welders negotiate their rates, perceptions of benefits versus higher hourly pay play a significant role. While some might opt for traditional employment offering health insurance, others may accept lower hourly wages to maintain benefits. With such variations in the industry, practical negotiation skills are critical for welders aiming to maximize their earning potential in Fitchburg, MA.
More salary data for Fitchburg, MA:
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 Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg 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