Welder Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $22.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Gardner, KS runs $22.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,266 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, welders are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $22.65 in 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the national median of $26.87 per hour. For welders working part-time at three days a week, this median translates to approximately $29,952 annually, while full-time welders could accumulate a more substantial yearly income by working a standard schedule. The hourly wage range in Gardner varies significantly; entry-level positions may start around $18.13, while experienced welders or those in specialized roles can command rates as high as $31.49. Welders often find work in diverse environments including fabrication shops and oil pipelines, creating opportunities for both local and traveling positions. The compensation estimate is derived from annual salary data and reflects the region's cost of living, which is relatively lower with an index of 90.9 compared to the national average.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.13 | $145.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.55 | $164.39 |
| Median (P50) | $22.65 | $181.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.32 | $210.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.49 | $251.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner
Based on $22.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.65/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $47,110 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,179. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gardner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.96 | $3,926 | $47,110 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.58 | $2,355 | $28,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.38 | $1,570 | $18,844 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Gardner) | $22.65 |
| 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 Gardner, KS earn a median of $47,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $50,826.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.65/hr = $28,266/year (purchasing power: $31,096).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,110/year (purchasing power: $51,826).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Gardner grew 26.5% from $17.22/hr (2019) to $21.78/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.55/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 Gardner 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 Gardner
Considering part-time work, a welder in Gardner who operates three days a week could take home a stable income, but their earning potential is greatly expanded with full-time hours. Traveling welders often seek out per diem arrangements, with typical daily pay ranging from $80 to $175 on top of an hourly rate that can reach between $40 and $70, depending on the employer and job complexity. Employers in sectors such as oil and gas pipeline welding, petrochemical turnarounds, or shipyards may pay higher rates, especially during shutdowns when welders may earn $50 to $80 per hour plus additional compensation for weekend work. On the other hand, self-employed rig welders can bill between $90 and $160 per hour, factoring in their equipment and expertise. However, welders must weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits like health insurance, which may lead some to accept lower hourly wages for more stable employment. For those negotiating in Gardner, understanding local market conditions and highlighting credentials, such as AWS certifications, can significantly influence their hourly pay rates.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 Gardner. 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 Gardner 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