Welder Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $31.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Waipahu, HI runs $31.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,342 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,206 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, HI, welders can expect a median hourly pay of $31.42, outpacing the national median of $26.87 by nearly 17%. This elevated hourly rate caters well to both full-time employees and those pursuing part-time or per-diem opportunities. Welders working three days a week might find that their earnings allow for a comfortable lifestyle while leaving ample time for other commitments or side projects. In various settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, shipyards, and manufacturing production cells, the hourly wage can vary significantly, with entry-level welders earning around $22.99, while high-end earners can reach up to $45.39. The projected growth rate of 3.99% indicates that demand for welding professionals in Waipahu will keep these rates competitive over the years ahead.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.99 | $183.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.05 | $216.38 |
| Median (P50) | $31.42 | $251.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.43 | $283.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.39 | $363.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $31.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.42/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $65,344 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,698. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,256.62 | $5,445 | $65,344 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $753.97 | $3,267 | $39,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.65 | $2,178 | $26,138 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Waipahu) | $31.42 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $65,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $66,676.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.42/hr = $39,206/year (purchasing power: $32,864).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,344/year (purchasing power: $54,773).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Waipahu grew 26.5% from $23.88/hr (2019) to $30.21/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.67/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
The potential for part-time welders in Waipahu is notable, with a solid weekly earning structure positioned well against full-time salaries. A welder working just 24 hours a week at $31.42 would generate annual gross earnings that may suffice depending on lifestyle choices, while those engaged in per-diem work, particularly traveling welders, often see a different financial picture. Many receive substantial daily allowances in addition to their hourly pay—ranging from $80-$175 for daily per-diem, coupled with hourly rates that may soar to $70. Specialty work, such as in the oil and gas sector during refinery turnarounds, can offer even higher pay, particularly when weekend shifts fall into double-time territory. Additionally, self-employed mobile welders have the flexibility to command their rates, which can range dramatically from $90-$160 per hour, depending significantly on their expertise and equipment. With careful negotiation, welders in Waipahu can either prioritize hourly pay to maximize take-home earnings or select positions that provide benefits, balancing between immediate compensation and long-term security.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Waipahu in 2026?
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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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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