Welder Hourly Pay in West Haven, CT: $28.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in West Haven, CT runs $28.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against West Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,365 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Haven, Connecticut, the welder hourly rate is projected to be $28.34 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This favorable pay rate reflects not only the demand for skilled welders but also the higher cost of living in the region. For those working part-time or on a per diem basis, this hourly rate translates into substantial earning potential. A welder working three days a week could potentially make around $21,000 annually, depending on the number of hours worked each week. In West Haven, hourly wages range from $21.35 for entry-level positions to $40.84 for top earners, indicating a solid growth trajectory for those who invest in skills such as 6G pipe welding or receive certifications through organizations like the AWS.
About the West Haven 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) | $21.35 | $170.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.95 | $199.58 |
| Median (P50) | $28.34 | $226.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.41 | $267.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.84 | $326.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Haven
Based on $28.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.34/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Haven, CT can expect to earn approximately $58,942 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,005. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,133.49 | $4,912 | $58,942 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.09 | $2,947 | $35,365 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.40 | $1,965 | $23,577 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (West Haven) | $28.34 |
| 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 West Haven, CT earn a median of $58,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $60,332.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.34/hr = $35,365/year (purchasing power: $32,776).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,942/year (purchasing power: $54,626).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in West Haven grew 26.5% from $21.54/hr (2019) to $27.25/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.47/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 West Haven 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 West Haven
The earning dynamics for welders can vary widely based on multiple factors, including employer type and work setting. Traveling pipe welders, for instance, may command hourly rates between $40 and $70, supplemented by per diem compensation that can reach $175 a day. Industrial settings, such as oil and gas pipeline projects and shipyards, often offer overtime rates that significantly increase potential earnings, especially during peak demand periods. Some welders may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while others pursue self-employment, billing rates of $90-$160 per hour without the security of benefits. When negotiating their pay, welders in West Haven can emphasize their certification and specialized skills to secure better rates and potentially more favorable working conditions, reflecting both their value to employers and the regional demand driven by an aging workforce in the industry.
More salary data for West Haven, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 West Haven. 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 West Haven 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