Welder Hourly Pay in Lexington, KY: $26.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Lexington, KY runs $26.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,822 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,496 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lexington, Kentucky, the welder hourly rate is projected to be $26.84 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $26.87. This competitive rate offers substantial opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in various settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and manufacturing production cells. For instance, an individual working part-time—say, three days a week—could see earnings that effectively support a balanced lifestyle while enjoying the flexibility of such arrangements. The hourly wages for welders in Lexington range from $20.08 for entry-level positions to $33.15 for those in the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse skill set and experience required across different projects and tasks.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.08 | $160.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.69 | $189.51 |
| Median (P50) | $26.84 | $214.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.37 | $258.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.15 | $265.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $26.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.84/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, KY can expect to earn approximately $55,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,208. With a cost-of-living index of 92.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,073.59 | $4,652 | $55,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $644.16 | $2,791 | $33,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.44 | $1,861 | $22,331 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Lexington) | $26.84 |
| 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 Lexington, KY earn a median of $55,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.90% above the Kentucky state average of $54,781.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.84/hr = $33,496/year (purchasing power: $36,060).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,827/year (purchasing power: $60,101).
CoL index: 92.889 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Lexington grew 20.2% from $21.47/hr (2019) to $25.81/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.91/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Regarding earning potential, part-time welders can realistically expect to take home around $33,606 annually when working 24 hours per week, compared to full-time welders who earn significantly more. Per-diem opportunities are particularly lucrative in this industry, with traveling pipe welders generally earning between $40-$70 per hour, plus per-diem rates ranging from $80-$175 a day, depending on the job location and specific demands. Specialized roles, such as underwater welders and refinery turnaround positions, can yield remarkable earnings, with rates reaching up to $1,000 per day during peak seasons. Variation in hourly rates also exists based on the type of employer; for instance, welders in structural steel fabrication might see different pay scales compared to those in nuclear or aerospace settings. Additionally, those welders who prioritize job benefits over hourly wages might negotiate lower rates to secure health insurance and other perks. For those entering the market, being informed about the local landscape can provide leverage in negotiations, ensuring they can maximize their earnings while selecting roles that align with their career goals.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Lexington?
Are welders in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Lexington?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
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 Lexington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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