Welders Salary

Welder Hourly Pay in Hamden, CT: $28.53 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Hamden, CT runs $28.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,346 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Hamden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,612 per year.

$59,346
Median Annual Salary
$28.53/hr
Hourly Rate
$45,281
Entry Level (P10)
$88,484
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Welder Hourly Rate in Hamden, CT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Hamden, CT welder hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Hamden, Connecticut, the expected welder hourly pay stands at $28.53, which exceeds the national hourly median of $26.87, reflecting a competitive edge for welders in the area. This wage translates to diverse opportunities for workers, whether they are part-timers, per-diem welders, or fully employed professionals. For instance, a welder working three days a week could still take home a solid income, especially in settings like fabrication shops or shipyards. With an hourly range ranging from $21.77 for entry-level positions to $42.54 for seasoned experts, it's clear that the earnings are significantly influenced by experience and job type. Estimated hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, showcasing how welders in Hamden can thrive across various applications, be it pipeline welding or manufacturing production cells.

About the Hamden Market

Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$21.77$174.12
Lower Range (P25)$25.35$202.82
Median (P50)$28.53$228.28
Upper Range (P75)$32.76$262.05
Top Earners (P90)$42.54$340.34

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hamden

Based on $28.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a welder in Hamden earning $28.53/hr would make approximately $34,242 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $59,353 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$34,242Reduced (32 hr/wk)$45,656Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$59,353

At $28.53/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hamden, CT can expect to earn approximately $59,353 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,242. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hamden.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$228.28
per 8hr shift
$1,141.39
per week
$4,946
per month
$59,353
per year

Schedule Comparison in Hamden

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,141.39$4,946$59,353
Part-Time (24 hrs)$684.84$2,968$35,612
Per Diem (16 hrs)$456.56$1,978$23,741

Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Welder (Hamden)$28.53
Machinist (National Avg)$25.72
Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg)$28.93
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Boilermaker (National Avg)$35.08
Horizontal bar chart comparing welder median salary in Hamden ($59,346) with Connecticut average ($60,311) and the US national median ($55,895).Hamden$59,346Connecticut Avg$60,311-1.60%US National$55,895+6.17%

Welders in Hamden, CT earn a median of $59,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.17% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.60% below the Connecticut state average of $60,311.

Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $28.53/hr = $35,612/year (purchasing power: $33,004).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,353/year (purchasing power: $55,007).

CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$21.69/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$27.44/hr

2026 Current Est.

$28.53/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+36.8%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Hamden (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for welders in Hamden. Baseline $21.69/hr in 2025, projected to $29.67/hr by 2027.$20$23$26$29$322019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.69$22.56$24.00$24.27$24.98$30.63$27.44$28.53$29.67
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$21.69/hrActual
2020$22.56/hrActual
2021$24.00/hrActual
2022$24.27/hrActual
2023$24.98/hrActual
2024$30.63/hrActual
2025$27.44/hrActual
2026(current)$28.53/hrEstimated
2027$29.67/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Hamden grew 26.5% from $21.69/hr (2019) to $27.44/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.67/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hamden metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Hamden

Part-time welders in Hamden have tangible earning potential; for instance, a three-day workweek translating to 24 hours earns an annual take-home significantly different from a full-time worker. Those opting for per-diem positions often enjoy perks in addition to base pay. Traveling pipe welders may command $40-$70/hr along with per diem rates ranging from $80-$175, while refinery turnaround welders can see hourly rates soaring to $50-$80, even doubling on weekends. Different employer types also play a role in pay variation; structural steel fabrication shops and nuclear facility maintenance may offer differing wages, with underwater welders seeing earnings as high as $1,000-$3,000+/day during peak seasons. When negotiating, welders should consider the balance between higher hourly rates without benefits and the security that comes with lower rates but stable health coverage. Tailoring negotiations to these dynamics can lead to better outcomes for welders navigating job offers in Hamden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for welders in Hamden in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for welders in Hamden is $28.53/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.99% annual growth). Rates range from $21.77 at entry level (10th percentile) to $42.54 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 6.2% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time welders make in Hamden?

A part-time welder working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Hamden earns approximately $2,968/month, or $35,612/year at the median hourly rate of $28.53. Many welders prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are welders in Hamden paid hourly or salary?

The majority of welders in Hamden are paid hourly at a median rate of $28.53/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $59,353/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time welder make per year in Hamden?

A full-time welder working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Hamden earns approximately $59,353/year at the median hourly rate of $28.53. This is 6.2% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $88,488/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Hamden?

Part-time and per diem welders in Hamden sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $42.54/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Connecticut

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

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 Hamden. 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 Hamden is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: