Welder Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $40.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Fairbanks, AK runs $40.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,043 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the projected welder hourly pay for 2026 stands at $40.10, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $26.87. This elevated rate is advantageous for both full-time and part-time welders, especially those working three days a week who can expect a stable income while concentrating on other responsibilities or opportunities. Per-diem workers, often found in settings such as fabrication shops or pipeline welding stations, can also benefit from the hourly pay structure, which ranges from $28.99 at the entry level to $54.96 for top earners. The variation within this range reflects different skill levels, certifications, and types of welding tasks performed. With demand continually rising in Alaska's robust welding industry, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, the environment is ripe for capable welders looking to enhance their earnings through hourly work.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.99 | $231.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.33 | $242.67 |
| Median (P50) | $40.10 | $320.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.96 | $439.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.96 | $439.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $40.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.10/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $83,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,118. With a cost-of-living index of 103.21 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,603.94 | $6,950 | $83,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $962.37 | $4,170 | $50,043 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $641.58 | $2,780 | $33,362 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Fairbanks) | $40.10 |
| 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 Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $83,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.23% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 40.60% above the Alaska state average of $59,325.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.10/hr = $50,043/year (purchasing power: $48,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,405/year (purchasing power: $80,813).
CoL index: 103.208 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Fairbanks grew 9.3% from $35.28/hr (2019) to $38.56/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.70/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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
When examining the financial realities of welders in Fairbanks, it’s clear that part-time careers can still yield significant annual incomes. A welder working a 24-hour week would approximate an annual earning near $49,975, which is substantial in comparison to many professions. For those engaging in per-diem work or locum roles, the potential income can soar even higher; traveling pipe welders might see their total compensation rise to between $40-$70/hr, complemented by daily per diem rates ranging from $80 to $175. Similarly, welders involved in refinery turnarounds often earn between $50-$80/hr, with double-time opportunities on weekends during critical shutdowns. Rates fluctuate depending on the type of employer in Fairbanks, from structural steel fabrication to specialized underwater welding. While some welders may opt for consistent hourly pay with added benefits like health insurance, others forego these for higher pay rates without them. It’s essential for welders to evaluate their personal circumstances and professional goals when negotiating pay, ensuring they align both with immediate financial needs and longer-term benefits.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Alaska
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 Fairbanks. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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