Welder Hourly Pay in Westminster, CO: $29.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Westminster, CO runs $29.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,583 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,948 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, Colorado, welders earn a median hourly rate of $29.61, which is significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive pay reflects the localized demand for skilled welding professionals in various settings, from busy fabrication shops to high-stakes pipeline installations and specialized manufacturing environments. For part-time welders working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a solid income, offering flexibility that appeals to many. The hourly pay range varies widely, with entry-level welders starting around $22.14 and experienced professionals potentially earning up to $44.10. This broad spectrum allows individuals to find positions that best fit their skills and lifestyle, whether they're working in conventional production lines or on mobile rig setups.
About the Westminster 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) | $22.14 | $177.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.47 | $203.74 |
| Median (P50) | $29.61 | $236.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.51 | $284.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.10 | $352.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $29.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.61/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CO can expect to earn approximately $61,580 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,527. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,184.24 | $5,132 | $61,580 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.54 | $3,079 | $36,948 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.70 | $2,053 | $24,632 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Westminster) | $29.61 |
| 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 Westminster, CO earn a median of $61,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.18% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.60% above the Colorado state average of $61,216.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.61/hr = $36,948/year (purchasing power: $35,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,580/year (purchasing power: $58,648).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Westminster grew 26.5% from $22.51/hr (2019) to $28.47/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.79/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
For welders in Westminster, the potential for diverse earnings is substantial, particularly for those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities. A welder working three days a week for a total of 24 hours at the median hourly rate might see annual earnings that are competitive but differ markedly from full-time counterparts. Many traveling pipe welders command salaries in the range of $40-$70/hour while also receiving lucrative per diem pay of $80-$175 per day. During critical refinery turnaround periods, welders can earn between $50-$80/hour, sometimes doubling their rate for weekend work. At the upper end of the pay scale, rig welders may earn between $90-$160/hour, especially if they lease equipment. Although hourly figures can vary across different employment scenarios, many welders face the dilemma of lower hourly rates offered by companies that include benefits versus potentially higher pay in contract positions without health insurance. To negotiate effectively, it's essential for welders in Westminster to demonstrate their qualifications—like the 6G certification—and align their skills with the specific demands of employer types, whether in construction, manufacturing, or specialty sectors.
More salary data for Westminster, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Westminster?
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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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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