Welder Hourly Pay in Marlborough, MA: $28.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Marlborough, MA runs $28.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,869 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Marlborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marlborough, Massachusetts, the welder hourly pay averages $28.78, positioning it notably above the national median of $26.87. This attractive hourly rate opens various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in settings such as fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. A welder consistently working three days a week can earn a significant income, as they capitalize on this competitive pay. Across the spectrum, hourly earnings range from $21.42 for entry-level positions to a substantial $39.14 for the top 10% of earners. Such figures are derived from annual salary data, illustrating strong potential for welders who may specialize in high-demand areas or seek self-employment in mobile rig setups.
About the Marlborough 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) | $21.42 | $171.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.05 | $200.41 |
| Median (P50) | $28.78 | $230.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.76 | $262.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.14 | $313.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marlborough
Based on $28.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.78/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marlborough, MA can expect to earn approximately $59,872 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,541. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Marlborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marlborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,151.38 | $4,989 | $59,872 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.83 | $2,994 | $35,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.55 | $1,996 | $23,949 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Marlborough) | $28.78 |
| 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 Marlborough, MA earn a median of $59,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $60,658.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.78/hr = $35,923/year (purchasing power: $33,109).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,872/year (purchasing power: $55,181).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Marlborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Marlborough grew 26.5% from $21.88/hr (2019) to $27.68/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.93/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 Marlborough 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 Marlborough
Considering part-time welder earnings, working only 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $35,000, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts. Per-diem and traveling roles significantly enhance earning potential, with pipe welders often making base rates between $40 and $70 an hour, in addition to valuable per diem compensation ranging from $80 to $175 per day. During busy refinery turnarounds, rates can spike to $80 an hour or more, especially with double-time weekend shifts. Various employer types in Marlborough—spanning structural steel fabrication shops, shipyards, and even specialized aerospace sectors—exhibit diverse pay scales that can influence a welder's career trajectory. The trade-off between hourly rates and benefits is crucial; typically, welders who accept lower hourly wages from unionized positions often receive benefits, while independent welders might secure a higher rate without the safety net of health insurance. For those in Marlborough, understanding the dynamics between different employer types and negotiating effectively is essential for maximizing their welding careers.
More salary data for Marlborough, 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 Marlborough. 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 Marlborough 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