Welder Hourly Pay in Dundalk, MD: $28.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Dundalk, MD runs $28.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Dundalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,404 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Dundalk, Maryland stands at $28.37, which is notably above the national median of $26.87. This competitive rate allows welders to potentially earn a significant income, especially for those working part-time or seeking per diem roles in various settings like fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and nuclear power plants. For example, welders on a three-day workweek may still achieve a substantial income, while those in more high-stakes roles, like underwater or rig welding, can capitalize on particularly lucrative opportunities. The hourly pay range starts at $20.84 for entry-level positions and can ascend to $40.30 for experienced welders, illustrating the diverse opportunities in this trade.
About the Dundalk 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) | $20.84 | $166.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.58 | $196.67 |
| Median (P50) | $28.37 | $226.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.63 | $269.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.30 | $322.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dundalk
Based on $28.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.37/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dundalk, MD can expect to earn approximately $59,006 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,042. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dundalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dundalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.74 | $4,917 | $59,006 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.84 | $2,950 | $35,404 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.90 | $1,967 | $23,603 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Dundalk) | $28.37 |
| 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 Dundalk, MD earn a median of $59,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $61,086.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.37/hr = $35,404/year (purchasing power: $32,391).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,006/year (purchasing power: $53,986).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Dundalk grew 26.5% from $21.57/hr (2019) to $27.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.50/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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
Part-time welders in Dundalk, working 24 hours a week, may earn around $35,000 annually, showcasing a reliable income stream for those balancing other commitments. Per diem welders, particularly those on specialized jobs, can expect extra compensation, with rates of $80-$175 a day in addition to their hourly wage, depending on the job specifics and location. Project-based workers, especially in demanding refinery turnarounds or underwater welding, can fetch hourly rates ranging from $50-$80, with potential for double-time on weekends, enhancing overall earnings. In Dundalk, differing employer types influence pay; while structural steel fabrication may offer steady work at a lower rate, oil and gas pipeline positions or aerospace and defense work could yield higher compensation. Welders may find themselves considering benefits like health insurance against higher hourly pay without such offers. Effective negotiation strategies, such as understanding local market rates and highlighting certifications like 6G or NQA-1, can further enhance a welder's hourly earnings in this region.
More salary data for Dundalk, 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 Dundalk. 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 Dundalk 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