Welder Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $28.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Amherst, MA runs $28.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,053 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Amherst, MA, can expect a median hourly rate of $28.89 in 2026, providing a competitive edge over the national median of $26.87. This hourly pay structure allows for profitable part-time arrangements; for instance, welders working three days a week could be earning a solid income while pursuing additional training or personal projects. The hourly range in Amherst varies significantly, from entry-level positions starting at around $20.82 to highly skilled welders reaching up to $39.58, reflecting both experience and specialization. Typical settings like fabrication shops, pipeline welding sites, and manufacturing facilities will often hire both full-time and per-diem workers, with pay being reflective of the rigorous demands and skill sets required for various welding processes such as TIG and flux-core welding, as well as the degree of certification held.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.82 | $166.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.14 |
| Median (P50) | $28.89 | $231.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.96 | $263.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.58 | $316.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $28.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.89/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $60,088 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,666. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,155.54 | $5,007 | $60,088 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $693.32 | $3,004 | $36,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.21 | $2,003 | $24,035 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Amherst) | $28.89 |
| 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 Amherst, MA earn a median of $60,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $60,641.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.89/hr = $36,053/year (purchasing power: $33,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,088/year (purchasing power: $55,381).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Amherst grew 26.5% from $21.96/hr (2019) to $27.78/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.04/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 Amherst 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 Amherst
Analyzing the potential earnings for part-time welders underscores substantial financial benefits, especially for those working 24 hours a week. Annually, this yields around $36,905, considerably less than full-time welders but still a viable income stream. The nature of per-diem welding work adds another layer of income potential, with traveling pipe welders often receiving base rates ranging from $40 to $70 per hour, supplemented by substantial daily per-diem rates typically between $80 and $175. Additionally, in specific environments such as refinery turnarounds or underwater welding, rates can surge, with welders earning between $1,000 and $3,000 per day during peak seasons. Different employer types in Amherst will offer varying pay scales; those in unionized positions might prioritize benefits over higher hourly rates found in non-union environments. For welders, understanding the nuances of compensation, such as negotiating based on location and specialization, can greatly enhance their earning capacity.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
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 Amherst. 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 Amherst 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