Welder Hourly Pay in Littleton, CO: $27.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Littleton, CO runs $27.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Littleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Littleton, Colorado, can expect a median hourly rate of $27.97, which is slightly higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive pay scale reflects the demand for skilled welders across various sectors, including structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline work, and nuclear power plant maintenance. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, earnings could significantly vary, with entry-level welders starting around $21.36, while more experienced professionals can see rates up to $39.66 per hour. These figures provide insights into the financial conditions for welders working on fabrication shop production lines or on-site projects, affecting their take-home pay and job opportunities throughout Littleton.
About the Littleton 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) | $21.36 | $170.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.74 | $197.91 |
| Median (P50) | $27.97 | $223.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.82 | $262.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.66 | $317.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Littleton
Based on $27.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.97/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Littleton, CO can expect to earn approximately $58,184 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,568. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Littleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Littleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,118.93 | $4,849 | $58,184 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $671.36 | $2,909 | $34,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.57 | $1,939 | $23,274 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Littleton) | $27.97 |
| 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 Littleton, CO earn a median of $58,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.09% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $61,241.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.97/hr = $34,911/year (purchasing power: $33,248).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,184/year (purchasing power: $55,414).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Littleton grew 26.5% from $21.26/hr (2019) to $26.90/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.09/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 Littleton 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 Littleton
Considering the flexibility in employment, part-time welders in Littleton working 24 hours per week would bring home an annual income of approximately $34,794, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem welder pay in Littleton also varies significantly, with many traveling pipe welders earning between $80 and $175 per day in addition to base rates that can reach $70 an hour. During busy refinery turnarounds, workers may see hourly rates increase to between $50 and $80, along with opportunities for double-time on weekends. Specialty welders, especially those holding significant certifications like NQA-1 or 6G pipe qualifications, may operate as self-employed rig welders, commanding rates between $90 and $160 an hour, factoring in their equipment costs. The trade-off between hourly pay and benefits is also crucial, as welders may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating effectively in Littleton’s job market often involves understanding these nuances and demonstrating relevant certifications to secure better rates.
More salary data for Littleton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Littleton in 2026?
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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 Littleton. 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 Littleton 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