Welder Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $26.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Ottumwa, IA runs $26.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,250 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Ottumwa, Iowa, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $26.64, which is slightly lower than the national median of $26.87. This hourly wage presents a solid opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in environments like fabrication shops, pipeline work, and other industrial settings. For those working three days a week, this translates to a reliable income while allowing flexibility. Welders in Ottumwa can expect to see an hourly pay range spanning from $21.46 for entry-level positions to $36.27 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the varying complexity of work and experience levels. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing insight into the expectations for wage growth in the local economy and the opportunities available within the field of welding.
About the Ottumwa 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) | $21.46 | $171.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.27 | $194.17 |
| Median (P50) | $26.64 | $213.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.49 | $243.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.27 | $290.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $26.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.64/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $55,416 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,971. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,065.69 | $4,618 | $55,416 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $639.41 | $2,771 | $33,250 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.28 | $1,847 | $22,166 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Ottumwa) | $26.64 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $55,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.87% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $59,576.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.64/hr = $33,250/year (purchasing power: $36,780).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,416/year (purchasing power: $61,301).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Ottumwa grew 26.5% from $20.25/hr (2019) to $25.62/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.71/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Examining the earning potential for part-time welders highlights the financial landscape of the profession in Ottumwa. A welder working 24 hours a week will take home approximately $33,158 annually, which can provide a reasonable living if supplemented with additional welding work or per diem opportunities. Per-diem pay in the industry can go as high as $175 per day, rewarding traveling welders significantly on top of their base hourly pay. Specialty positions, such as those involved in refinery shutdowns or rig ownership, can command substantially higher rates, often reaching $90-$160/hour, reflecting the skills involved and associated risks. However, this can come with trade-offs, as some welders might settle for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits that typically accompany full-time employment. For those negotiating wages in Ottumwa, understanding the demand for various welding specialties and being prepared to discuss qualifications—like AWS certifications—can empower workers to secure competitive pay based on their specific skill sets and experiences.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Ottumwa in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa 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