Welder Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $28.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Natchitoches, LA runs $28.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,288 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,170 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Natchitoches, LA stands at $28.98, which is notably higher than the national average of $26.87. This rate positions local welders well above many counterparts across the country, making it an inviting option for those considering part-time or per-diem work. A welder working three days a week may rack up around $41,000 annually based on this hourly rate. The variety within the profession is evident, with entry-level welders earning around $23.44 per hour, while the most experienced can achieve rates as high as $39.70. Typical settings for welders in Natchitoches range from fabrication shops to nuclear plant containment areas, where hourly pay is calculated on expected work hours, enabling students, apprentices, or seasoned professionals alike to navigate different earning paths.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.44 | $187.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.57 | $212.56 |
| Median (P50) | $28.98 | $231.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.25 | $257.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.70 | $317.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $28.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.98/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $60,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,778. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,159.28 | $5,024 | $60,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.57 | $3,014 | $36,170 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.71 | $2,009 | $24,113 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Natchitoches) | $28.98 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $60,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.86% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $64,548.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.98/hr = $36,170/year (purchasing power: $40,055).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,283/year (purchasing power: $66,758).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Natchitoches grew 26.5% from $22.03/hr (2019) to $27.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.14/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
Regarding the earning potential in specific scenarios, a part-time welder working 24 hours a week can realize substantial savings and earnings, yet this typically pales in comparison to full-time prospects. For instance, traveling pipe welders often receive lucrative per diem rates ranging from $80 to $175 daily on top of an hourly base between $40 and $70; these factors can significantly enhance their overall income. During refinery turnarounds, hourly rates can surge to as much as $80 with additional pay for weekend shifts, making specialties such as those in petrochemical sectors highly lucrative. It’s common to see those who run mobile welding rigs billing anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour for their services, driving home the difference depending on employer type. While higher-paying jobs often lack benefits, welders should weigh the trade-offs carefully, especially given the industry's evolving landscape and the need for further certifications like the 6G pipe qualification. Effective negotiation strategies can elevate pay and attract benefits, which is essential in a city like Natchitoches where market demand continues to outpace supply.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Natchitoches in 2026?
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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 Natchitoches. 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 Natchitoches 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