Welder Hourly Pay in Rochester, NH: $27.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Rochester, NH runs $27.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,638 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, New Hampshire, the welder hourly rate stands at $27.75, which is higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive hourly wage reflects the skilled nature of welding, particularly in industrial settings like fabrication shops and manufacturing plants. For those working part-time, say three days a week, the income can still be robust, with potential earnings significantly surpassing the minimum wage. Entry-level welders might start closer to $21.79, while experienced professionals can reach up to $39.14 per hour, demonstrating a clear pathway for advancement within the field. These estimates, derived from annual salary projections, highlight the variety of opportunities available to welders in Rochester, from mobile rig setups serving diverse job sites to full-time positions in nuclear power maintenance.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.79 | $174.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.99 | $199.91 |
| Median (P50) | $27.75 | $222.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.35 | $258.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.14 | $313.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $27.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.75/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NH can expect to earn approximately $57,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,306. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,110.20 | $4,811 | $57,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.12 | $2,887 | $34,638 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.08 | $1,924 | $23,092 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Rochester) | $27.75 |
| 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 Rochester, NH earn a median of $57,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $59,949.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.75/hr = $34,638/year (purchasing power: $32,282).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,730/year (purchasing power: $53,803).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Rochester grew 26.5% from $21.10/hr (2019) to $26.69/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.86/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Examining the financial realities for part-time welders, those working just three days a week can expect to net approximately $43,350 annually compared to full-time counterparts (40 hours per week), who would likely see totals approaching $57,731. For welders taking on per-diem roles, the pay scales can dramatically increase, especially for those in specialized sectors like pipeline welding, where rates typically range from $40-$70 per hour, supplemented by daily per diem pay of $80-$175. During high-demand periods, such as refinery turnarounds, some may earn between $50-$80 per hour, with double-time incentives available on weekends. Welders in Rochester can also find varying compensation based on their employer type; for instance, those working in shipyards might have access to better benefits, while self-employed rig welders can earn significantly higher hourly rates. In negotiations, considering the balance between hourly pay and health benefits can be key, especially in a competitive job market where health coverage may be offered at a slightly lower hourly wage. Understanding these dynamics can empower Rochester welders to navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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