Welder Hourly Pay in Ferndale, MI: $23.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Ferndale, MI runs $23.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,770 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Ferndale's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,265 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Ferndale, Michigan, can expect a median hourly rate of $23.45 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $26.87. This discrepancy highlights the city's unique economic landscape, where welder hourly pay reflects both regional demand and the cost of living index, currently sitting at 93.2—below the national average. For those considering part-time positions, working just three days a week would yield a take-home pay based on this rate, conducive for welders seeking flexibility or additional income sources. Entry-level welders may earn around $17.69 per hour, while top earners can reach as high as $31.34, allowing for a dynamic financial environment depending on expertise, certification, and type of work performed—whether it be in fabrication shops, pipelines, or other specialized welding settings.
About the Ferndale 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) | $17.69 | $141.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.49 | $163.89 |
| Median (P50) | $23.45 | $187.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.55 | $212.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.34 | $250.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ferndale
Based on $23.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.45/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ferndale, MI can expect to earn approximately $48,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,140. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ferndale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ferndale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.99 | $4,065 | $48,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.79 | $2,439 | $29,265 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.20 | $1,626 | $19,510 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Ferndale) | $23.45 |
| 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 Ferndale, MI earn a median of $48,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.75% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $51,391.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.45/hr = $29,265/year (purchasing power: $31,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,775/year (purchasing power: $52,334).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Ferndale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Ferndale grew 26.5% from $17.83/hr (2019) to $22.55/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.39/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 Ferndale 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 Ferndale
Part-time welders working 24 hours a week in Ferndale can accumulate earnings significantly different from full-time counterparts; while 2026 estimates suggest full-timers obtain greater annual salaries, part-timers enjoy flexibility and often pursue projects that pay per diem, particularly relevant in high-demand fields like pipeline welding. Per diem welder pay in Ferndale can tip the scales, with traveling pipe welders making between $40-$70 per hour, supplemented by $80-$175 in daily allowances. Specialized roles, like refinery turnaround welders, can also command premium rates of $50-$80 and even double-time for weekend work. Additionally, owner-operators of rig welding setups may set their prices between $90-$160 per hour, showcasing the variability based on industry sectors. While lower hourly rates might appeal due to benefits like healthcare from employers, many welders navigate cost-benefit analyses regarding pay versus perks, making negotiation skills essential in the local job market. This dynamic scenario illustrates not just salary, but the strategic choices welders have to make regarding employment in Ferndale's construction and manufacturing sectors.
More salary data for Ferndale, 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 Ferndale. 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 Ferndale 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