Welder Hourly Pay in Post Falls, ID: $24.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Post Falls, ID runs $24.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Post Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,667 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Post Falls, Idaho, the welder hourly pay stands at a median rate of $24.57, which is notably lower than the national median of $26.87. This rate can significantly influence work scenarios for part-time and per-diem welders in various settings, including fabrication shops, pipeline construction, and nuclear plant maintenance. For those working part-time at three days a week, the income can provide a decent living arrangement, albeit on a more limited basis. The hourly pay range for welders in the area varies from $19.24 for entry-level positions to as high as $34.59 for top earners, emphasizing the potential for growth within the profession. Such estimates reflect the broader annual salary data but give a clearer picture of earnings potential on an hourly basis for different skill levels in Post Falls.
About the Post Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.24 | $153.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.08 | $176.62 |
| Median (P50) | $24.57 | $196.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.68 | $221.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.59 | $276.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Post Falls
Based on $24.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.57/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Post Falls, ID can expect to earn approximately $51,112 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,487. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Post Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Post Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $982.91 | $4,259 | $51,112 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $589.75 | $2,556 | $30,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.17 | $1,704 | $20,445 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Post Falls) | $24.57 |
| 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 Post Falls, ID earn a median of $51,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.55% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.90% below the Idaho state average of $53,191.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.57/hr = $30,667/year (purchasing power: $32,179).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,112/year (purchasing power: $53,632).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Post Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Post Falls grew 26.5% from $18.68/hr (2019) to $23.63/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.55/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 Post Falls 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 Post Falls
Looking closely at earnings potential, part-time welders working 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, who are likely to secure more lucrative contracts and hours. For per-diem or traveling welders, such as those involved in refinery turnarounds or pipeline projects, hourly rates can elevate sharply, often between $50 and $80, with additional per diem payments ranging from $80 to $175 daily. The variation in hourly pay largely depends on the industry; for instance, underwater welders often command $1,000-$3,000 per day due to skilled requirements and hazardous conditions. Employers in Post Falls, including fabricators and construction companies, must navigate complex decision-making around rates — choosing between offering competitive hourly wages or comprehensive benefits that come with lower pay. For welders negotiating pay, understanding the distinction between project types and staffing models can equip them with the knowledge to secure better hourly terms that may favor stability or higher compensation.
More salary data for Post Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Post Falls. 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 Post Falls 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