Welder Hourly Pay in Pittsfield, MA: $28.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Pittsfield, MA runs $28.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,817 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Pittsfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $28.75 in 2026, which surpasses the national median of $26.87. This premium rate reflects the relatively higher cost of living in the area and the demand for skilled labor. For part-time welders working three days a week, this translates to about $1,380 per month, allowing for a solid supplemental income. Per-diem workers in settings like fabrication shops or during refinery turnarounds can capitalize on variable rates that enhance their earnings based on project demands. Entry-level welders in Pittsfield might start around $21.37 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $39.06 per hour, showcasing the profession's potential for financial growth based on experience and expertise.
About the Pittsfield 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) | $21.37 | $170.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.10 | $208.81 |
| Median (P50) | $28.75 | $230.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.69 | $261.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.06 | $312.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsfield
Based on $28.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.75/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsfield, MA can expect to earn approximately $59,807 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,504. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.13 | $4,984 | $59,807 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.08 | $2,990 | $35,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.05 | $1,994 | $23,923 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Pittsfield) | $28.75 |
| 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 Pittsfield, MA earn a median of $59,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.02% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $60,666.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.75/hr = $35,884/year (purchasing power: $33,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,807/year (purchasing power: $55,121).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Pittsfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Pittsfield grew 7.7% from $25.68/hr (2019) to $27.65/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.90/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 Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
Considering the broader landscape of welder pay in Pittsfield, part-time welders pulling in $28.75 per hour for a 24-hour workweek would earn approximately $36,000 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Per diem welders can particularly boost their earnings; traveling pipe welders might see additional daily compensations ranging from $80 to $175, stacking on top of base rates between $40 and $70 per hour. Similarly, during high-demand periods such as refinery shutdowns, welders can earn between $50 and $80 per hour, with the opportunity for double-time pay on weekends. Across various sectors in Pittsfield—from oil and gas to aerospace—the hourly rates can sharply vary. Navigating these ranges can require savvy negotiation as workers must weigh higher pay against benefits offered by some employers. For instance, union jobs may provide healthcare, which can impact the choice between a slightly lower hourly rate versus a self-employed role that offers a higher wage but no benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for welders in Pittsfield to make informed decisions that best suit their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield. 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 Pittsfield 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