Welder Hourly Pay in College Park, MD: $28.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in College Park, MD runs $28.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against College Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,780 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average welder hourly pay in College Park, Maryland, stands at $28.67, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. For welders working part-time, particularly those on a three-day workweek, this rate translates to significant earnings that can bolster their annual income. Welders typically find themselves in various settings, such as fabrication shop production lines or refinery turnaround scaffold platforms, where the hourly rate varies based on experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start around $20.68, while experienced professionals can earn up to $41.21 per hour, indicating a healthy earning potential across the industry.
About the College Park Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.68 | $165.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.55 | $196.42 |
| Median (P50) | $28.67 | $229.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.90 | $271.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.21 | $329.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in College Park
Based on $28.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.67/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in College Park, MD can expect to earn approximately $59,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,404. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in College Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in College Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.80 | $4,969 | $59,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.08 | $2,982 | $35,780 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.72 | $1,988 | $23,853 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (College Park) | $28.67 |
| 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 College Park, MD earn a median of $59,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.69% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.40% below the Maryland state average of $61,104.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.67/hr = $35,780/year (purchasing power: $32,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,634/year (purchasing power: $54,560).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in College Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in College Park grew 26.5% from $21.79/hr (2019) to $27.57/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.81/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 College Park 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 College Park
The financial prospects for welders in College Park reflect a diverse landscape when considering per diem roles and different employer types. Part-time welders working 24 hours a week can expect an annual income considerably lower than those committed to full-time schedules, yet this flexibility offers a balance that may appeal to some. Traveling pipe welders often see lucrative per diem welder pay in College Park, where daily rates range from $80 to $175 in addition to their $40 to $70 hourly wage. Different sectors, such as structural steel fabrication and nuclear power, provide varying hourly rates, with rig welders managing their own businesses potentially charging between $90 and $160 per hour. In this shifting environment, welders must navigate their options carefully, sometimes opting for lower hourly pay that includes benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay as independent contractors. For those negotiating their hourly earnings, understanding the specific market dynamics in College Park can lead to better compensation agreements.
More salary data for College Park, MD:
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 College Park. 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 College Park 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