Welder Hourly Pay in Canton, GA: $22.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Canton, GA runs $22.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Canton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,370 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Canton, Georgia, the projected median hourly pay for welders is $22.73, which is significantly lower than the national median of $26.87. This discrepancy can impact both full-time and part-time welders, particularly those working only three days a week. For per-diem workers, who often find employment in fabrication shops or on pipeline projects, this hourly rate can form the basis of their earnings while taking into consideration the geographic cost of living, which, at 93.1, is below the national average. The hourly pay spectrum for welders in Canton spans from $17.18 for entry-level positions (P10) to $32.20 for the highest earners (P90), illustrating the potential financial growth within this trade as welders gain experience and specialized certifications.
About the Canton Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.18 | $137.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.04 | $160.31 |
| Median (P50) | $22.73 | $181.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.58 | $212.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.20 | $257.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Canton
Based on $22.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.73/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Canton, GA can expect to earn approximately $47,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,279. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Canton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Canton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $909.29 | $3,940 | $47,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $545.57 | $2,364 | $28,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.72 | $1,576 | $18,913 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Canton) | $22.73 |
| 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 Canton, GA earn a median of $47,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.41% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.20% below the Georgia state average of $49,876.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.73/hr = $28,370/year (purchasing power: $30,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,283/year (purchasing power: $50,787).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Canton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Canton grew 26.5% from $17.28/hr (2019) to $21.86/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.64/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 Canton 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 Canton
Shifting to the potential annual income for part-time welders working 24 hours a week, they can expect to take home around $28,800, markedly less than the expected earnings for full-time positions. On the other hand, many welders supplement their income through per-diem arrangements, where traveling pipe welders may earn a daily stipend of $80-$175 in addition to base rates of $40-$70 per hour. High-demand projects, especially during refinery turnarounds, can lead to hourly wages of $50-$80, with the added incentive of double-time on weekends. Various employment sectors within Canton, from structural fabrication to nuclear power maintenance, often dictate the hourly earnings, with specialized skills leading to higher rates. Welders weighing hourly pay against benefits might find it advantageous to choose positions with health coverage despite lower hourly rates or focus on opportunities that pay premium rates with fewer perks. For those in the trade looking to negotiate pay, understanding the unique economic landscape of Canton, including prevailing wages across different employer types, can be crucial in securing a fair compensation package.
More salary data for Canton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Canton. 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 Canton 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