Welder Hourly Pay in Smyrna, DE: $25.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Smyrna, DE runs $25.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,601 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The welder hourly pay in Smyrna, Delaware, is projected to be $25.32 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $26.87. This rate translates to significant opportunities for those working part-time or as per-diem welders in varied settings, such as fabrication shops and pipeline construction sites. Welders opting for part-time schedules of three days a week could earn approximately $1,024 over 24 hours of work, potentially balancing other commitments while still maintaining a steady income. Hourly rates in Smyrna span from $20.22 for entry-level positions to around $34.21 for top earners specializing in areas like rig welding or underwater tasks. The projected figures are reflective of annual salary estimates and aim to provide a coherent view of the financial prospects in the local market.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.22 | $161.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.94 | $183.52 |
| Median (P50) | $25.32 | $202.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.89 | $231.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.21 | $273.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $25.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.32/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, DE can expect to earn approximately $52,669 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,386. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,012.86 | $4,389 | $52,669 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $607.72 | $2,633 | $31,601 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.15 | $1,756 | $21,068 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Smyrna) | $25.32 |
| 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 Smyrna, DE earn a median of $52,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $56,871.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.32/hr = $31,601/year (purchasing power: $31,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,669/year (purchasing power: $51,788).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Smyrna grew 26.5% from $19.25/hr (2019) to $24.35/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.33/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Turning to the analysis of wages, part-time welders in Smyrna have a different earning trajectory compared to their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour work week could yield an annual income close to $53,248 compared to a full-time welder’s earnings of nearly $52,663 at a standard 40-hour week. For those working as per-diem or agency welders, opportunities abound with travel assignments typically offering $80-$175 daily allowances alongside base pay ranging from $40-$70 per hour. During high-demand situations, such as refinery turnarounds, rates can surge to $50-$80 per hour, with lucrative weekend shifts often paying double-time. Prevailing rates vary significantly across sectors in Smyrna—from structural fabrication to aerospace manufacturing—making it crucial for welders to weigh the benefits of employment types. Negotiating a higher rate could involve accepting positions without health benefits in favor of better immediate compensation or teaming up with unions like the UA or Boilermakers for enhanced pay packages and job security. Understanding the local market and employer variability aids welders in making informed decisions about their careers in DE.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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