Welder Hourly Pay in Kokomo, IN: $24.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Kokomo, IN runs $24.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Kokomo's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,108 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The welder hourly pay in Kokomo, Indiana, stands at a median rate of $24.93, which falls below the national hourly median of $26.87. This difference highlights the economic environment in Kokomo, making it essential for welders considering part-time or per-diem opportunities to analyze their earning potential carefully. Part-time welders, working typically three days a week, can adjust their schedules to fit their lifestyle while still maximizing earnings. In Kokomo, the hourly pay ranges from $18.18 for entry-level positions to $41.21 for experienced top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations, among other settings. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.18 | $145.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.64 | $173.12 |
| Median (P50) | $24.93 | $199.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.54 | $260.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.21 | $329.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kokomo
Based on $24.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.93/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kokomo, IN can expect to earn approximately $51,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,912. With a cost-of-living index of 89.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kokomo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kokomo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $997.06 | $4,321 | $51,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.23 | $2,592 | $31,108 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.82 | $1,728 | $20,739 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Kokomo) | $24.93 |
| 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 Kokomo, IN earn a median of $51,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.24% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.50% above the Indiana state average of $51,591.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.93/hr = $31,108/year (purchasing power: $34,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,847/year (purchasing power: $57,834).
CoL index: 89.648 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Kokomo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Kokomo grew 5.1% from $22.80/hr (2019) to $23.97/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.92/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 Kokomo 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 Kokomo
Considering the financial landscape for welders, those working part-time (24 hours a week) in Kokomo might expect to take home about $31,192 annually, a stark contrast to full-time income opportunities. Per diem welder pay in Kokomo can significantly boost earnings; traveling welders often receive daily stipends in addition to their hourly wage, ranging between $80-$175, which can elevate overall earnings considerably. Additionally, during peak work periods, like refinery turnarounds, hourly pay can escalate to $50-$80, with double-time incentives for weekend shifts, presenting a lucrative aspect of the profession. Different employer types also offer varying pay scales; for instance, structural steel fabrication shops may pay differently compared to aerospace and defense welding positions, which often require specialized certifications. Benefits come into play as welders must evaluate the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without insurance and lower rates that include health benefits. Understanding these dynamics, coupled with effective negotiation tactics, can provide an edge for welders in Kokomo as they navigate their weekly schedules.
More salary data for Kokomo, 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 Kokomo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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