Welder Hourly Pay in Dunedin, FL: $23.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Dunedin, FL runs $23.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,682 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Dunedin's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,810 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dunedin, FL, welders can expect a median hourly pay of $23.89, which is notably lower than the national average hourly rate of $26.87. This rate reflects the area's economic conditions and cost of living, which stands at a slightly above-average index of 100.8. Workers in this profession often take up part-time roles, typically working three days a week, which allows for flexibility in schedules. The pay range for welders in Dunedin spans from $18.48 at the lower end (entry-level positions) to $33.48 for the top earners, indicating a healthy variation that accommodates differing skill levels and specializations within the field. These roles are frequently found in diverse settings, including manufacturing plants, structural shops, and construction sites, where hourly pay rates are derived from annual salary estimates.
About the Dunedin Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.48 | $147.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.38 | $171.04 |
| Median (P50) | $23.89 | $191.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.72 | $221.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.48 | $267.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dunedin
Based on $23.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.89/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dunedin, FL can expect to earn approximately $49,684 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,664. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dunedin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dunedin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $955.46 | $4,140 | $49,684 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.28 | $2,484 | $29,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.18 | $1,656 | $19,874 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Dunedin) | $23.89 |
| 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 Dunedin, FL earn a median of $49,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.12% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $51,860.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.89/hr = $29,810/year (purchasing power: $29,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,684/year (purchasing power: $49,290).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Dunedin grew 26.5% from $18.16/hr (2019) to $22.97/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.84/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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin
Given the hourly landscape for welders, those opting for part-time schedules can anticipate earning approximately $29,950 annually based on 24 hours of work each week. This contrasts with full-time welders, whose earnings could reach significantly higher figures. Per diem opportunities shine in this field, especially for traveling workers, with rates ranging from $80 to $175 per day added to base hourly pay that potentially spans $40 to $70. High-demand specialties, such as refinery turnaround welders, command $50 to $80 per hour, especially during shutdowns, while rig welder owner-operators can earn between $90 to $160 per hour. As with many skilled trades, the hourly rates can vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, those working in oil and gas, shipyards, or nuclear facilities often see higher rates due to the specialized skills required. Welders may need to negotiate rates effectively, balancing lower hourly pay against the potential for health benefits in some union positions. Understanding the dynamics of the local job market and the specifics of employer offerings in Dunedin can provide a competitive edge for those looking to maximize their earnings in this profession.
More salary data for Dunedin, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Dunedin in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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