Welder Hourly Pay in Monroe, LA: $25.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Monroe, LA runs $25.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,940 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.6, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,367 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Monroe, Louisiana, the welder hourly pay stands at $25.94, which is slightly below the national median of $26.87 per hour. This competitive rate reflects a growing demand for skilled welders in various settings, including fabrication shop production lines, refinery turnaround scaffolding, and pipeline trench welding stations. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage provides a solid foundation for income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range for welders in Monroe varies significantly, starting at $21.12 for entry-level positions and potentially reaching $35.33 for seasoned experts in high-pressure environments. These figures are derived from official BLS hourly data and highlight the opportunities available for welders in Monroe's diverse job market.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.12 | $168.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.67 | $189.34 |
| Median (P50) | $25.94 | $207.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.37 | $242.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.33 | $282.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $25.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.94/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, LA can expect to earn approximately $53,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,122. With a cost-of-living index of 83.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,037.40 | $4,495 | $53,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $622.44 | $2,697 | $32,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.96 | $1,798 | $21,578 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Monroe) | $25.94 |
| 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 Monroe, LA earn a median of $53,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 16.40% below the Louisiana state average of $64,521.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.94/hr = $32,367/year (purchasing power: $38,718).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,945/year (purchasing power: $64,530).
CoL index: 83.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Monroe grew 9.9% from $22.70/hr (2019) to $24.94/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.97/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Hourly pay structures can vary widely, presenting unique earning potential for welders in Monroe. For example, a part-time welder working 24 hours a week would take home around $32,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. Traveling pipe welders often command impressive daily per-diem rates, receiving $80-$175 on top of base rates that can range from $40-$70 per hour, especially during refinery shutdowns where welders may earn between $50-$80 per hour plus overtime. Self-employed rig welders can bill $90-$160, significantly boosting their earnings. It's also essential to consider that those accepting lower hourly rates often benefit from health insurance and security, while others might prioritize higher non-benefit pay. When negotiating pay in Monroe, welders should emphasize their certifications and experience, particularly showcasing any specialty skills such as 6G pipe certification or expertise in nuclear welding, rather than settling for standard rates.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Monroe in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Monroe?
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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 Monroe. 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