Welder Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $24.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Atlanta, GA runs $24.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,965 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Atlanta, GA, is projected to be $24.81, slightly below the national hourly median of $26.87. This figure reflects the competitive landscape for welders in various sectors, including fabrication shops and industrial sites. For part-time professionals working three days a week, earnings translate to approximately $1,197.35 for a 24-hour workweek. Entry-level positions typically start around $19.55, while seasoned experts can earn as much as $34.65 per hour, showcasing the potential for differing wages based on experience and specialty. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS content anticipated for 2026, highlights the diverse opportunities within welding trades in Atlanta.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.55 | $156.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.06 | $184.52 |
| Median (P50) | $24.81 | $198.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.85 | $238.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.65 | $277.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $24.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.81/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $51,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,774. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $992.48 | $4,301 | $51,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.49 | $2,580 | $30,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.99 | $1,720 | $20,644 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Atlanta) | $24.81 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $51,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.50% above the Georgia state average of $49,865.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.81/hr = $30,965/year (purchasing power: $30,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,609/year (purchasing power: $51,579).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Atlanta grew 30.7% from $18.25/hr (2019) to $23.86/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.80/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
When considering hourly rates, welders in Atlanta may explore various employment models, including part-time and per-diem arrangements. For welders working only 24 hours a week, annual earnings may differ drastically compared to full-time colleagues, leading to potential take-home pay in the range of $30,000 to $40,000 annually. Per diem welders often enjoy additional compensation anywhere from $80 to $175 per day, especially in demanding and high-turnover positions such as petroleum refinery turnarounds. Specialized roles, like underwater welding or traveling pipe welders, can yield upwards of $90 to $160 per hour, reflecting the need for advanced certifications like the 6G pipe qualification. In Atlanta, the variance in earnings across industry categories—like shipyards, aerospace, or construction—emphasizes a trade-off between higher hourly pay and available benefits such as health insurance. Navigating these complexities, welders should ensure their compensation aligns with their skill set and personal needs, potentially steering negotiations to reflect their worth accurately.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 Atlanta. 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