Welder Hourly Pay in Canton, MI: $24.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Canton, MI runs $24.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,245 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Canton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Canton, Michigan, the projected welder hourly pay sits at $24.16 as of 2026, which is approximately 10.11% below the national median hourly rate of $26.87. This rate is particularly relevant for both full-time and part-time welders, as those working three days a week usually put in around 24 hours, which translates to a weekly earning of about $579 before taxes. In various settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding, and manufacturing production cells, hourly rates can range from $18.10 for entry-level positions to $35.77 for seasoned experts. The dynamic nature of the welding industry means that self-employed mobile rig welders and those working in high-demand areas, such as nuclear power or shipbuilding, may find themselves on the higher end of that scale, driven by the complexity and urgency of their tasks.
About the Canton Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.10 | $144.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.28 | $170.21 |
| Median (P50) | $24.16 | $193.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.98 | $231.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.77 | $286.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Canton
Based on $24.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.16/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Canton, MI can expect to earn approximately $50,246 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,988. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Canton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Canton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $966.28 | $4,187 | $50,246 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $579.77 | $2,512 | $30,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $386.51 | $1,675 | $20,099 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Canton) | $24.16 |
| 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 Canton, MI earn a median of $50,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.11% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Michigan state average of $51,375.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.16/hr = $30,148/year (purchasing power: $32,347).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,246/year (purchasing power: $53,912).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Canton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Canton grew 26.5% from $18.36/hr (2019) to $23.23/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.12/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 Canton 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 Canton
For welders considering part-time work or per-diem situations in Canton, the earning potential can differ significantly. A part-time welder covering 24 hours a week might net approximately $15,000 annually, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. Traveling pipe welders can command $40-$70 per hour, often supplemented with impressive per diem rates ranging from $80 to $175 per day, depending on location and project demands. During refinery turnarounds, opportunities for overtime may see pay soar to $50-$80 per hour, with workers earning double-time on weekends. In contrast, rig welder owner-operators can look to bill anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour, or more, particularly if they possess specialized certifications. While some employers might offer lower hourly wages but include health benefits, others may require negotiation for exceptional rates without additional perks. It is beneficial for welders in Canton to understand the various employer types and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each arrangement when negotiating their pay structure.
More salary data for Canton, MI:
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 Canton. 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 Canton 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