Welder Hourly Pay in Hammond, IN: $24.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Hammond, IN runs $24.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hammond, Indiana, welders can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.12, which falls short of the national median of $26.87. This difference highlights the local market's specific challenges, but it still represents a viable paycheck for both full-time and part-time workers. For those involved in part-time work, such as a typical three-day workweek, income remains attractive given the hourly rate. The spectrum for hourly pay in the area ranges from $17.96 for entry-level positions to $35.41 for the most skilled welders, especially in sectors like pipeline and nuclear welding. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures projected for 2026, reflecting the economic landscape and hiring demands in Hammond's fabrication and manufacturing industries.
About the Hammond 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) | $17.96 | $143.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.10 | $168.80 |
| Median (P50) | $24.12 | $192.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.81 | $230.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.41 | $283.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $24.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.12/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, IN can expect to earn approximately $50,160 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,938. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $964.61 | $4,180 | $50,160 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.77 | $2,508 | $30,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.84 | $1,672 | $20,064 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Hammond) | $24.12 |
| 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 Hammond, IN earn a median of $50,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.26% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $51,553.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.12/hr = $30,096/year (purchasing power: $32,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,160/year (purchasing power: $54,940).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Hammond grew 26.5% from $18.33/hr (2019) to $23.19/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.08/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Shifting focus to earning potential, a part-time welder in Hammond working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $28,073 annually. In contrast, full-time welders see significantly higher earnings, justifying the decision for some to pursue continuous positions in robust sectors. For those in per diem roles, such as traveling pipe welders, the potential earnings ascend rapidly; they often benefit from daily stipends between $80-$175 in addition to their hourly rates which can range from $40-$70. Similarly, welders on refinery turnaround projects can earn between $50-$80 per hour, with the possibility of double-time pay on weekends. Furthermore, rig welder owner-operators can command billable rates of $90-$160 per hour, taking into account their equipment and operational costs. The variability in hourly rates across various employment types in Hammond illustrates the choices welders have to balance immediate financial needs against job security and benefits. For many, the willingness to accept lower hourly rates in union positions often pays off with health insurance and steady hours, making savvy negotiation skills essential for those in the field.
More salary data for Hammond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Hammond 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 Hammond. 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 Hammond 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