Welder Hourly Pay in Concord, NC: $28.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Concord, NC runs $28.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,261 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Concord's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Concord, North Carolina, the welder hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $28.49, offering a slight edge over the national median of $26.87. This wage indicates an attractive opportunity for both part-time welders working three days a week and those pursuing per-diem roles in various settings, such as fabrication shops and pipeline work. For welders in entry-level positions, the hourly rate starts at approximately $20.11, while more experienced professionals, particularly those mastering specialized techniques like 6G pipe welding, can command rates as high as $41.80. This range illustrates the financial potential across the profession, which can vary significantly based on skill, experience, and job placement within Concord's diverse welding sectors.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.11 | $160.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.13 | $193.01 |
| Median (P50) | $28.49 | $227.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.79 | $270.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.80 | $334.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Concord
Based on $28.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.49/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Concord, NC can expect to earn approximately $59,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,192. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Concord.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Concord
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.73 | $4,939 | $59,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.84 | $2,963 | $35,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.89 | $1,976 | $23,706 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Concord) | $28.49 |
| 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 Concord, NC earn a median of $59,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 12.30% above the North Carolina state average of $52,770.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.49/hr = $35,560/year (purchasing power: $37,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,266/year (purchasing power: $63,318).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Concord grew 26.5% from $21.66/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.63/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 Concord 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 Concord
Focusing on part-time earnings, a welder working three days a week for a total of 24 hours at the median rate would take home about $35,000 annually, providing a manageable income while maintaining work-life flexibility. Welders seeking per-diem opportunities often see lucrative days, with estimates ranging from $80 to $175 daily, significantly augmenting their hourly earnings. For instance, traveling pipe welders may start with base rates between $40 and $70 per hour, while those on refinery turnaround crews can earn $50 to $80 per hour during high-demand periods or even double-time on weekends. Various employer types in Concord impact hourly rates, with structural steel and oil and gas pipeline welders frequently seeing higher compensation due to the nature of the work. While some welders gravitate toward higher hourly pay without benefits, others may choose slightly lower rates that include health insurance and retirement plans. Negotiating effectively, particularly in areas like Concord where the welding workforce is changing, can position welders favorably in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Concord in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Concord?
Are welders in Concord paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Concord?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Concord?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Concord. 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 Concord 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