Welder Hourly Pay in Berkeley, NJ: $30.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Berkeley, NJ runs $30.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,844 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Berkeley, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $30.32, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive pay makes positions in various welding environments—including manufacturing production cells, fabrication shops, and pipeline welding stations—an attractive option. For part-time welders working three days a week, this translates to a weekly income that can vary significantly depending on their skill level and type of employment, with entry-level welders starting at approximately $22.06 per hour, while top earners can command up to $43.80 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the potential for welders to take advantage of strong demand and favorable rates in the region. Additionally, mobile rig welders or those working on specialized projects may find that their hourly pay reflects higher rates due to unique requirements or logistical challenges.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.06 | $176.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.10 | $208.81 |
| Median (P50) | $30.32 | $242.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.19 | $273.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.80 | $350.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $30.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.32/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, NJ can expect to earn approximately $63,073 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,388. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.94 | $5,256 | $63,073 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.76 | $3,154 | $37,844 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.18 | $2,102 | $25,229 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Berkeley) | $30.32 |
| 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 Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $63,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $64,369.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.32/hr = $37,844/year (purchasing power: $32,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,073/year (purchasing power: $54,751).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Berkeley grew 26.5% from $23.05/hr (2019) to $29.16/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.53/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
When assessing the earning potential for welders in this area, part-time workers operating on a schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $37,721 annually, compared to full-time welders. It's also worth considering the per-diem reality for welders who often take on traveling roles. For instance, traveling pipe welders can see daily per diem payments ranging from $80 to $175, on top of their hourly wage of $40 to $70. Welders involved in refinery turnarounds often capitalize on shutdown opportunities, earning $50 to $80 per hour, with the possibility of double pay during weekends. Different market sectors reflect varying pay scales; for example, underwater welders can earn between $1,000 and $3,000 per day during peak diving seasons. In Berkeley, NJ, welders often have to weigh the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance. Carefully negotiating terms that reflect both their hourly pay and any additional perks can significantly impact long-term earnings and job satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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