Welder Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $27.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Burlington, IA runs $27.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the welder hourly rate is projected to be $27.49 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive pay reflects the industry's demand for skilled labor in multiple settings, including fabrication shop production lines, pipeline trench welding stations, and nuclear plant maintenance. Entry-level welders can expect to earn approximately $21.17 per hour, while top earners in the profession may reach hourly rates as high as $37.44. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate opens opportunities for significant earnings, particularly in environments where high-demand projects require flexibility. The relatively high pay in Burlington aligns well with the area’s cost of living index of 90.4, making it an appealing choice for welders looking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.17 | $169.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.43 | $195.42 |
| Median (P50) | $27.49 | $219.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.46 | $251.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.44 | $299.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $27.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.49/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $57,190 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,994. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,099.80 | $4,766 | $57,190 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.88 | $2,859 | $34,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.92 | $1,906 | $22,876 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Burlington) | $27.49 |
| 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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $57,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $59,561.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.49/hr = $34,314/year (purchasing power: $37,958).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,190/year (purchasing power: $63,263).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Burlington grew 26.5% from $20.90/hr (2019) to $26.44/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.59/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Welder hourly pay in Burlington provides a diverse range of earning potential, particularly for those engaging in part-time or per-diem work. A welder working three days a week, putting in around 24 hours, can expect to take home a substantial figure annually, reflecting the flexibility that suits many in this trade. Per diem welder pay in Burlington varies, with traveling pipe welders often receiving a combination of $40-$70 per hour, along with additional per-diem rates ranging from $80-$175 daily. Those involved in refinery turnarounds can earn between $50-$80 per hour plus potential double-time on weekends. Owner-operators of rig welding trucks can command fees of $90-$160 per hour, including the costs of their equipment, while specialized underwater welders see some of the highest earnings, sometimes hitting $1,000-$3,000 per day. This nuanced pay structure highlights factors such as employer types, with consistent variations in hourly rates across sectors like structural steel fabrication, petrochemical refinements, and aerospace. Therefore, welders in Burlington often balance their salary expectations with benefit offers from employers, providing strategic leverage in negotiations based on their specific circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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