Welder Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $31.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Bridgeport, CT runs $31.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,971 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.9, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,583 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Bridgeport, Connecticut stands at a solid $31.72, significantly above the national median of $26.87. This favorable rate reflects the local industry's demand for skilled welders in various work environments, including fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and shipyards. For part-time welders working three days a week, this median translates to substantial pay that supports a comfortable lifestyle, while per-diem arrangements can further enhance earnings in specialized settings. The hourly wage range for welders in Bridgeport spans from $20.78 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) up to an impressive $55.31 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting a robust job market and opportunities for advancement within the trade.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.78 | $166.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.29 | $194.34 |
| Median (P50) | $31.72 | $253.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.98 | $319.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.31 | $442.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $31.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.72/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $65,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,060. With a cost-of-living index of 106.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,268.68 | $5,498 | $65,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.21 | $3,299 | $39,583 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.47 | $2,199 | $26,389 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Bridgeport) | $31.72 |
| 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 Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $65,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.03% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 9.40% above the Connecticut state average of $60,303.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.72/hr = $39,583/year (purchasing power: $37,040).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,971/year (purchasing power: $61,734).
CoL index: 106.864 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Bridgeport grew 29.8% from $23.49/hr (2019) to $30.50/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.98/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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport
Considering the nuances of part-time work, a welder consistently working 24 hours a week could potentially take home over $37,000 annually, which allows flexibility and time for other endeavors. In contrast, full-time welders operating in high-demand sectors such as oil and gas pipeline welding often command rates that include both hourly pay and per diem options, with traveling welders earning between $40 and $70 an hour plus daily allowances that can range from $80 to $175. This can significantly outperform consistent hourly wages, especially for specialized roles such as underwater welders, who can see earnings exceeding $1,000 per day. Additionally, the type of employer can influence pay structures in Bridgeport; welders in unionized environments might find more stable benefits at slightly lower hourly rates compared to self-employed contractors who could negotiate higher rates but without the same safety net. Job seekers can enhance their positioning by focusing on certifications like the 6G pipe certification, as this premium skill set elevates earning potential across various welding sectors while addressing the growing demand for qualified professionals amid an aging workforce.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Bridgeport in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Bridgeport?
Are welders in Bridgeport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Bridgeport?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Bridgeport?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 Bridgeport. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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