Welder Hourly Pay in Cheshire, CT: $27.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Cheshire, CT runs $27.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,581 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Cheshire's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,547 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cheshire, Connecticut, the welder hourly pay is projected to be $27.68 in 2026, representing a notable increase compared to the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate is favorable for those working part-time or as per-diem welders, particularly in settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding, and shipyards. With an hourly range that spans from $21.36 for entry-level positions to $38.61 for top earners, individuals can tailor their work schedules, potentially opting for 3-days-a-week setups that provide a balanced workflow and income. It’s important to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, indicating a competitive pay structure that supports various employment types, from dedicated shop work to mobile welding setups.
About the Cheshire Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($60,000) 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) | $24.65 | $197.17 |
| Median (P50) | $27.68 | $221.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.01 | $256.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.61 | $308.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cheshire
Based on $27.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.68/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cheshire, CT can expect to earn approximately $57,579 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,219. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cheshire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cheshire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,107.29 | $4,798 | $57,579 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $664.37 | $2,879 | $34,547 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.91 | $1,919 | $23,032 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Cheshire) | $27.68 |
| 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 Cheshire, CT earn a median of $57,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.02% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.50% below the Connecticut state average of $60,295.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.68/hr = $34,547/year (purchasing power: $32,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,579/year (purchasing power: $53,363).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Cheshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Cheshire grew 26.5% from $21.04/hr (2019) to $26.62/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.79/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 Cheshire 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 Cheshire
The financial landscape for part-time welders in Cheshire can shift significantly based on hours worked. For instance, a 3-day workweek totaling 24 hours yields an effective annual income far lower than full-time roles. Per-diem welders on traveling projects can comfortably boost their earnings with day rates ranging from $80 to $175, often on top of a solid hourly wage hovering between $40 and $70. Specialized positions, like those in refinery turnarounds, can reach $50 to $80 per hour, especially on weekends when double-time pay comes into effect. Employers across diverse sectors—ranging from structural steel shops to the aerospace industry—offer varying hourly rates, influenced by the specific skills required. While some welders may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, others pursue higher pay rates as independent contractors, weighing the trade-offs carefully. Practical negotiation strategies, such as emphasizing specialized certifications like the 6G pipe credential or discussing specific utility for employer needs, can empower hourly workers in Cheshire to secure competitive wages.
More salary data for Cheshire, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Cheshire 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 Cheshire. 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 Cheshire 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