Welder Hourly Pay in Ocala, FL: $24.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Ocala, FL runs $24.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,196 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Ocala's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.2, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,122 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Ocala, Florida is projected to be $24.14, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $26.87. This wage reflects the local demand and cost of living, making it a suitable rate for various employment settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding, and manufacturing facilities. For welders working part-time, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, this rate can translate into solid earnings, especially in roles that allow for additional hours. The hourly pay for welders in Ocala ranges from $19.25 for entry-level positions to a high of $29.61 for top earners, offering opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals. This data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, emphasizing the relevance of real-time wage assessments in an evolving job market.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.25 | $153.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.57 | $172.54 |
| Median (P50) | $24.14 | $193.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.81 | $222.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.61 | $236.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ocala
Based on $24.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.14/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ocala, FL can expect to earn approximately $50,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,963. With a cost-of-living index of 95.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ocala.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ocala
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $965.44 | $4,184 | $50,203 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $579.27 | $2,510 | $30,122 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $386.18 | $1,673 | $20,081 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Ocala) | $24.14 |
| 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 Ocala, FL earn a median of $50,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.20% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.20% below the Florida state average of $51,855.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.14/hr = $30,122/year (purchasing power: $31,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,203/year (purchasing power: $52,715).
CoL index: 95.234 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Ocala (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Ocala grew 37.8% from $16.84/hr (2019) to $23.21/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.10/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 Ocala 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 Ocala
Exploring the various avenues within welding, part-time welders can expect to bring home a substantially different annual income than their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour workweek for a welder at the current hourly rate results in annual earnings significantly lesser than a full-time schedule. Additionally, per-diem work in Ocala can enhance overall pay; for instance, traveling pipe welders often secure between $40-$70 per hour alongside daily stipends that range from $80 to $175, to cover costs while on job sites. Specialty sectors like refinery turnarounds and underwater welding present even more lucrative opportunities, with rates fluctuating between $50-$80 per hour and rare instances exceeding $1,000 for daily underwater work. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type, encompassing structural fabrication, oil and gas pipeline projects, and manufacturing. Consequently, welders must balance competitive rates with potential benefits; some may opt for lower hourly rates that offer health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay with no fringe benefits. Negotiation strategies tailored to the Ocala market can further help workers maximize their compensation.
More salary data for Ocala, FL:
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 Ocala. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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