Welder Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $29.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Erie, CO runs $29.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,593 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,351 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, welders can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.13, which surpasses the national average of $26.87 across the United States. This competitive pay reflects the strong demand for welding skills in various sectors, including structural steel fabrication and pipeline welding. For those who prefer part-time work, a welder might find themselves earning about $1,350 weekly by working three days a week, which can provide a stable income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly pay range for welders in this area stretches from $21.67 for entry-level positions to $39.82 for top earners, indicating a robust potential for advancement based on experience and specialization. Many welders in Erie work in fabrication shops and oil and gas facilities, where wages can vary significantly based on the specific demands of the job.
About the Erie 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) | $21.67 | $173.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.44 | $203.49 |
| Median (P50) | $29.13 | $233.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.19 | $265.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.82 | $318.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $29.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.13/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $60,585 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,953. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,165.10 | $5,049 | $60,585 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.06 | $3,029 | $36,351 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.04 | $2,020 | $24,234 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Erie) | $29.13 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $60,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.41% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $61,267.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.13/hr = $36,351/year (purchasing power: $34,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,585/year (purchasing power: $57,700).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Erie grew 26.5% from $22.14/hr (2019) to $28.01/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.29/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 Erie 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 Erie
Examining the earning potential further, a welder who works part-time for 24 hours a week would bring home approximately $35,100 annually, a solid figure but notably less than what full-time welders might earn, especially with overtime opportunities available. For those in per diem or agency positions, real earnings can spike dramatically. Traveling pipe welders frequently earn between $40-$70/hr plus per diem ranging from $80-$175 per day, depending on the job requirements and location. Shutdowns at refineries might yield $50-$80/hr, often doubling on weekends, while underwater welding can attract staggering pay, exceeding $1,000/day. Hourly rates also fluctuate based on the employer type in Erie, whether in manufacturing, construction, or specialized welding fields. Health benefits may sway some welders to accept lower hourly rates, while others may prioritize cash pay without benefits. Understanding the local job market and being adept at negotiation can significantly impact wage outcomes in this region.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. 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 Erie 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