Welder Hourly Pay in Conway, AR: $23.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Conway, AR runs $23.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,285 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,967 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, Arkansas, the welder hourly rate for 2026 is projected at $23.21, which is notably lower than the national median of $26.87. This difference can have significant implications for welders seeking part-time or per-diem positions in various work settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and shipyards. For welders working three days a week, the potential income can vary greatly, with entry-level rates starting at $17.17 and top earners making up to $33.06 per hour. This hourly range provides a glimpse into the compensation landscape where experienced welders or those with specialized skills, like 6G certifications, can command higher rates while part-time workers will find their earnings significantly affected by the specific industry and their level of expertise.
About the Conway 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) | $17.17 | $137.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.21 | $161.64 |
| Median (P50) | $23.21 | $185.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.13 | $217.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.06 | $264.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $23.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.21/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, AR can expect to earn approximately $48,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,853. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $928.42 | $4,023 | $48,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.05 | $2,414 | $28,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.37 | $1,609 | $19,311 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Conway) | $23.21 |
| 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 Conway, AR earn a median of $48,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.61% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $49,320.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.21/hr = $28,967/year (purchasing power: $33,333).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,278/year (purchasing power: $55,556).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Conway grew 26.5% from $17.64/hr (2019) to $22.32/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.14/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 Conway 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 Conway
For those considering part-time work, a welder averaging 24 hours a week could expect to make around $28,147 annually, which contrasts sharply with the income of full-time welders who can reach significantly higher annual figures. Per diem arrangements amplify earning potential, particularly for traveling welders who can receive an additional $80-$175 daily on top of their standard $40-$70 per hour base pay. Situations during refinery turnarounds can yield lucrative pay rates of $50-$80 per hour, often with double-time on weekends. Furthermore, the industry shows varied compensation from employers, with structural fabrication shops often offering different rates compared to oil and gas or aerospace companies. When it comes to negotiations, welders in Conway should weigh the trade-offs between accepting lower hourly figures for employer-provided benefits and pursuing higher pay without added healthcare coverage. Practical negotiation skills can enhance a welder's financial stability, allowing them to maximize their earnings while navigating the unique conditions of the local marketplace.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
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 Conway. 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 Conway 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