Welder Hourly Pay in Merrillville, IN: $23.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Merrillville, IN runs $23.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Merrillville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merrillville, Indiana, the welder hourly rate is projected to be $23.78 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate offers various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers operating in typical environments such as fabrication shops, refinery turnarounds, and shipyards. Welders in the area can expect to earn between $17.82 and $33.32 per hour, indicating a broad spectrum from entry-level positions to highly skilled trades. The potential for flexible work schedules appeals to many welders who may prefer part-time roles, allowing for work on three days a week or on an as-needed basis. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the local economic conditions in Merrillville and the specific demands of different welding applications.
About the Merrillville 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) | $17.82 | $142.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.78 | $166.22 |
| Median (P50) | $23.78 | $190.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.66 | $221.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.32 | $266.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merrillville
Based on $23.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.78/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merrillville, IN can expect to earn approximately $49,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,539. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Merrillville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merrillville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $951.30 | $4,122 | $49,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.78 | $2,473 | $29,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.52 | $1,649 | $19,787 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Merrillville) | $23.78 |
| 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 Merrillville, IN earn a median of $49,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.50% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.10% below the Indiana state average of $51,582.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.78/hr = $29,681/year (purchasing power: $32,509).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,468/year (purchasing power: $54,181).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Merrillville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Merrillville grew 26.5% from $18.08/hr (2019) to $22.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.73/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 Merrillville 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 Merrillville
Examining the realities of a welder's income reveals notable earning potential, particularly for those choosing part-time work. A welder clocking in part-time for 24 hours a week may take home about $29,750 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. Many traveling welders enhance their income significantly through per-diem arrangements, often making an additional $80-$175 per day atop a base rate of $40-$70 per hour. Similar lucrative setups exist for those engaged in refinery maintenance, where welders can command $50-$80 per hour with overtime provisions. Variations in pay often reflect employer types, varying from structural steel shops to oil and gas pipeline work, each creating their distinct economic environment. Benefits also play a crucial role in negotiations; some welders may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, while others might pursue higher rates without benefits. This decision underscores the complexities of payment structures in the industry. Negotiating wisely based on local trends and employer characteristics can be key, especially in a city like Merrillville, where the welding workforce is projected to see substantial shifts ahead.
More salary data for Merrillville, 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 Merrillville. 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 Merrillville 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