Welder Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $23.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Benton, AR runs $23.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,329 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,993 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the welder hourly rate is projected to be $23.23 in 2026, which places it notably below the national hourly median of $26.87. This rate can significantly impact those seeking part-time employment or per-diem opportunities within the welding industry. For instance, a part-time welder working three days a week would earn approximately $1,116 monthly before taxes, a figure that highlights the challenges of pursuing welding in settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline trench work, or shipyards. The hourly pay ranges from $16.90 for entry-level positions to $32.13 for top earners, offering a pathway for growth as experience and skills increase. Keep in mind that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the economic conditions in Benton and the specific demand for skilled welders in various sectors.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.90 | $135.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.00 | $159.98 |
| Median (P50) | $23.23 | $185.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.69 | $213.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.13 | $257.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $23.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.23/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $48,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,878. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.25 | $4,027 | $48,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.55 | $2,416 | $28,993 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.70 | $1,611 | $19,328 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Benton) | $23.23 |
| 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 Benton, AR earn a median of $48,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.54% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $49,316.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.23/hr = $28,993/year (purchasing power: $33,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,321/year (purchasing power: $55,606).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Benton grew 26.5% from $17.66/hr (2019) to $22.34/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.16/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 Benton 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 Benton
Exploring the earning potential for welders reveals intriguing dynamics. A part-time worker in Benton, clocking in at roughly 24 hours weekly, might find this arrangement less lucrative compared to full-time welders, who typically enjoy greater stability and earnings. Additionally, per diem opportunities for welders can vary widely, with traveling pipe welders commanding anywhere from $40-$70 per hour plus per-diem, which could range from $80 to $175 daily. In contrast, specialized roles such as those in refinery turnarounds might yield even higher rates during peak demands, at times reaching $80 per hour or more. Different employer types in the area, including structural steel fabrication shops, oil and gas pipeline work, and aerospace projects, can influence hourly rates significantly. Welders may face choices between higher hourly rates with less security and lower pay with benefits like health insurance. Negotiation remains critical in this environment, as a solid grasp of industry standards and personal credentials can empower workers to secure more favorable terms while addressing the broader shortfall in skilled welding professionals expected in the coming years.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
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 Benton. 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 Benton 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