Welder Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $28.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Aurora, CO runs $28.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,895 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,936 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the welder hourly pay stands at a median of $28.79, notably exceeding the national median of $26.87. This robust pay rate is reflective of the city's diverse industrial landscape, which includes fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and high-tech manufacturing facilities. For part-time welders working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a comfortable financial footprint while accommodating flexible work schedules. The position offers a range from $20.26 for entry-level positions to a high of $43.09 for the top earners, allowing a pathway of advancement and specialization. Estimations for these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, which emphasizes the wide economic potential welders have in the area.
About the Aurora 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) | $20.26 | $162.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.43 | $195.42 |
| Median (P50) | $28.79 | $230.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.42 | $275.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.09 | $344.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $28.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.79/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $59,893 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,554. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,151.79 | $4,991 | $59,893 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.08 | $2,995 | $35,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.72 | $1,996 | $23,957 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Aurora) | $28.79 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $59,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.16% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Colorado state average of $61,242.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.79/hr = $35,936/year (purchasing power: $34,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,893/year (purchasing power: $57,041).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Aurora grew 26.5% from $21.89/hr (2019) to $27.69/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.94/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
When considering part-time employment, a welder in Aurora working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $36,277 annually, which might appeal to those balancing various commitments or seeking supplementary income. Alternatively, per diem and agency work fosters a lucrative earning aspect, with traveling pipe welders often making a base pay of $40-$70/hr, in addition to per diem allowances ranging from $80 to $175 daily. Events such as refinery turnarounds can offer even higher pay, with welders commanding rates between $50 and $80 per hour, plus the added allure of double-time for weekend shifts. Diverse contexts, such as working within structural steel or under more niche environments like aerospace firms, yield different hourly rates that can vary significantly. Welders should weigh the benefits of positions with lower hourly rates that come with health insurance against those offering a higher wage with fewer benefits. Additionally, honing negotiation skills can be vital when discussing pay in a competitive market like Aurora, particularly within union versus non-union environments, which may further influence compensation dynamics.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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