Welder Hourly Pay in Shrewsbury, MA: $27.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Shrewsbury, MA runs $27.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Shrewsbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,781 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly pay of $27.87, surpassing the national median of $26.87. This competitive hourly rate offers significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, especially in environments like fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. For instance, a welder working part-time, around three days a week, could expect a substantial paycheck while still maintaining flexibility in their schedule. The overall hourly pay for welders in Shrewsbury ranges from $21.57 for entry-level positions to a striking $39.93 for those in top-tier roles, showcasing the spectrum of opportunity available within the profession. This hourly data is derived from annual salary figures that reflect the broader dynamics of the local market.
About the Shrewsbury 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) | $21.57 | $172.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.86 | $198.91 |
| Median (P50) | $27.87 | $222.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.87 | $262.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.93 | $319.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shrewsbury
Based on $27.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.87/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shrewsbury, MA can expect to earn approximately $57,968 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,443. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shrewsbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shrewsbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,114.77 | $4,831 | $57,968 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.86 | $2,898 | $34,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.91 | $1,932 | $23,187 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Shrewsbury) | $27.87 |
| 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 Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $57,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $60,646.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.87/hr = $34,781/year (purchasing power: $32,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,968/year (purchasing power: $53,427).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Shrewsbury grew 26.5% from $21.19/hr (2019) to $26.80/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.98/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 Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury
When it comes to part-time earnings, a welder averaging 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts. Many welders choose per-diem work arrangements, where traveling pipe welders can potentially earn $40-$70 per hour, plus per-diem rates ranging from $80 to $175 daily. During refinery shutdowns, wages can rise to between $50 and $80 per hour, often with double-time on weekends. Owner-operators of rig welding trucks may invoice at $90 to $160 per hour, while underwater welders can command daily rates exceeding $1,000 during busy seasons. In Shrewsbury, hourly rates can fluctuate widely among employers—from structural steel shops to oil and gas pipelines—often influenced by skills obtained through certifications such as AWS or NCCER. Welders must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the stability of health insurance that come from more traditional employment. It's essential for hourly welders to consider their negotiation strategy and understand the unique compensation landscape within this vibrant industry in MA.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury 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