Welder Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $31.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Boston, MA runs $31.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,314 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,790 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, the welder hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.88, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate allows for a variety of work arrangements, including part-time and per-diem roles. Welders typical work in settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline trench welding stations, and shipyards where they can capitalize on a competitive hourly wage that ranges from $24.51 for entry-level positions to $41.71 for top earners. This strong compensation reflects the high demand and skill level required, particularly for those with certifications like AWS and NCCER. According to estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, Boston's welder hourly rate MA is buoyed by its 3.99% annual growth rate, indicating an ongoing need for skilled professionals in this field.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.51 | $196.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.12 | $224.95 |
| Median (P50) | $31.88 | $255.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.05 | $304.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.71 | $333.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $31.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.88/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $66,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,260. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.33 | $5,526 | $66,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.20 | $3,316 | $39,790 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.13 | $2,211 | $26,527 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Boston) | $31.88 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $66,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.64% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 9.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $60,672.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.88/hr = $39,790/year (purchasing power: $36,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,317/year (purchasing power: $61,254).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Boston grew 17.7% from $26.04/hr (2019) to $30.66/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.16/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 Boston 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 Boston
For a welder working part-time in Boston, committing to a 3-day work week at 24 hours may yield an annual take-home significantly below that of full-time welders, yet still quite substantial given the hourly pay. Per diem welder pay in Boston can greatly enhance earning potential; travel welders often see base hourly rates between $40-$70, with daily allowances that can range from $80 to $175, particularly in high-demand situations like refinery turnarounds that pay $50-$80/hr plus overtime. The type of employer can also affect pay; structural steel fabrication shops may offer different rates compared to shipyards or aerospace positions, and there’s a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits. Welders accepting lower hourly rates may do so in exchange for health insurance and other perks which can be critical in maintaining long-term employment. Strategies such as showcasing specialized skills like 6G pipe certification or negotiating based on competitive offers help welders secure favorable hourly terms in the vibrant Boston market.
More salary data for Boston, 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 Boston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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