Welder Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $26.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Muscatine, IA runs $26.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,616 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,366 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the welder hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $26.74 in 2026, placing it slightly below the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate allows for a decent income for both part-time and per-diem welders who typically find work in diverse settings such as fabrication shops or pipeline welding stations. Welders working three days a week can expect to earn around $1,280 weekly based on full hours, making it feasible to achieve a reasonable annual income, even with a part-time schedule. The hourly pay range in Muscatine spans from an estimated $21.68 for entry-level positions up to $36.54 for top earners, reflecting variances in skill levels and job types. It's essential to recognize that these projections stem from analysis of prior annual salaries and indicate the growing demand for welders in the area.
About the Muscatine 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) | $21.68 | $173.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.49 | $195.92 |
| Median (P50) | $26.74 | $213.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.74 | $245.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.54 | $292.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $26.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.74/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $55,611 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,083. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,069.43 | $4,634 | $55,611 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $641.66 | $2,781 | $33,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $427.77 | $1,854 | $22,244 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Muscatine) | $26.74 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $55,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.50% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $59,546.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.74/hr = $33,366/year (purchasing power: $36,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,611/year (purchasing power: $61,516).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Muscatine grew 26.5% from $20.32/hr (2019) to $25.71/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.80/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
Considering the local economy of Muscatine, there are numerous opportunities for welders looking to maximize earnings. For example, part-time welders working 24 hours a week could realistically bring home about $32,640 annually, demonstrating the viability of welding as a part-time career. Per diem welder pay in Muscatine can significantly enhance earnings, especially for those taking on traveling or contract assignments; many receive daily allowances ranging from $80 to $175 in addition to base rates around $40 to $70 per hour. In high-demand scenarios like refinery turnarounds, welders can command even higher rates of $50 to $80 per hour. Additionally, certain specialties, such as underwater welding or the 6G pipe certification, can lead to premium pay opportunities. Overall, while some welders may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, others may prioritize earnings. Understanding how to negotiate for fair wages based on their skills and market conditions will much benefit those pursuing welding careers in Muscatine, IA.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Muscatine?
Are welders in Muscatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Muscatine?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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