Welder Hourly Pay in Carmel, IN: $25.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Carmel, IN runs $25.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Carmel's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,588 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carmel, Indiana, the average welder hourly rate is $25.31 as of projections for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $26.87. This wage reflects the rates earned by welders across various sectors, from fabrication shops to pipeline trench welding. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a significant income, especially when supplemented by per diem opportunities in specific contexts typical of the profession. Welders can expect to see rates that range from $19.23 for entry-level positions to $36.74 for the most experienced individuals, highlighting the potential for career advancement in this field. Whether working in manufacturing production cells or mobile rig setups, welders in Carmel are well-equipped to take advantage of these market conditions.
About the Carmel Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.23 | $153.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.41 | $179.28 |
| Median (P50) | $25.31 | $202.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.92 | $239.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.74 | $293.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carmel
Based on $25.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.31/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carmel, IN can expect to earn approximately $52,647 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,373. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carmel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carmel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,012.45 | $4,387 | $52,647 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $607.47 | $2,632 | $31,588 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.98 | $1,755 | $21,059 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Carmel) | $25.31 |
| 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 Carmel, IN earn a median of $52,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.82% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.10% above the Indiana state average of $51,560.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.31/hr = $31,588/year (purchasing power: $34,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,647/year (purchasing power: $57,664).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Carmel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Carmel grew 26.5% from $19.24/hr (2019) to $24.34/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.32/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 Carmel 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 Carmel
For those considering part-time work, a welder operating on a three-day, 24-hour schedule would bring home approximately $31,200 annually, a significantly reduced figure compared to full-time counterparts. Conversely, welders who engage in per diem work or agency shifts can capitalize on higher rates, often receiving additional compensation that enhances their earnings greatly. Traveling pipe welders commonly earn $40-$70 per hour, with daily per diem allowances ranging from $80-$175, whereas refinery turnaround shifts can see earnings of $50-$80 per hour with premium rates on weekends. Various factors influence hourly varying rates, including employer types in Carmel, such as structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline work, and specialized roles in nuclear power maintenance. Some welders may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may negotiate exclusively for pay, reflecting a diverse economy where welders can craft their own career paths based on their unique situations and preferences.
More salary data for Carmel, IN:
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 Carmel. 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 Carmel 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