Welder Hourly Pay in Arvada, CO: $30.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Arvada, CO runs $30.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,706 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Arvada's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,623 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the projected welder hourly pay in 2026 is set at $30.15, showcasing a competitive edge over the national median of $26.87. This advantage can significantly impact workers, especially part-timers operating three days a week, who would earn approximately $1,825 per month. For per-diem welders, particularly in fabrication shops and in specialized roles on pipeline and refinery projects, the hourly compensation can range widely, reflecting the diversity of working environments that include shipyards and nuclear plants. Entry-level positions are estimated at around $22.66 per hour, while the top earners, including mobile rig welders or those involved in high-skill tasks like underwater welding, can earn up to $42.95 per hour. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the significance of hourly rates in assessing job opportunities in Arvada’s welding sector.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.66 | $181.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.58 | $212.64 |
| Median (P50) | $30.15 | $241.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.99 | $279.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.95 | $343.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arvada
Based on $30.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.15/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arvada, CO can expect to earn approximately $62,705 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,176. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arvada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arvada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,205.87 | $5,225 | $62,705 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.52 | $3,135 | $37,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.35 | $2,090 | $25,082 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Arvada) | $30.15 |
| 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 Arvada, CO earn a median of $62,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $61,236.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.15/hr = $37,623/year (purchasing power: $35,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,705/year (purchasing power: $59,719).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Arvada grew 26.5% from $22.92/hr (2019) to $28.99/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.35/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 Arvada 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 Arvada
Considering the financial landscape, a welder working part-time with a 24-hour weekly schedule can expect to take home about $82,800 annually, compared to full-time earnings significantly higher. The per diem scenario enhances earnings further for traveling welders, who can receive daily allowances ranging from $80 to $175 on top of their base pay of $40 to $70 per hour. During refinery shutdowns, welders may capitalize on overtime at rates between $50 and $80, while owner-operators in the rig sector may bill between $90 and $160 per hour. Although some welders opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, negotiation becomes key in this profession. Understanding the variations based on employer type—ranging from structural fabrication shops to the aerospace sector—can provide insights into where rates may also differ. For those in Arvada, 2026 presents both challenges and opportunities that affect their pay dynamics in this competitive field.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
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 Arvada. 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 Arvada 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