Welder Hourly Pay in Midland, MI: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Midland, MI runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Midland's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,018 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Midland, Michigan, the welder hourly pay is projected to be $24.05 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $26.87. This rate reflects the realities for welders working in various settings, such as fabrication shops and pipeline trench welding stations. Those working part-time, for example, can expect to earn around $18.88 at the lower end of the spectrum and up to $32.69 for top earners. With Midland's cost of living index below the national average, these rates provide a feasible income for those seeking part-time roles or per-diem positions, which are common in this field. Welders in self-employed setups or working on refinery turnaround scaffold platforms may also experience differing earnings based on their experience, location, and specific skills.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.88 | $151.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.64 | $181.11 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.19 | $241.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.69 | $261.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Midland
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Midland, MI can expect to earn approximately $50,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,863. With a cost-of-living index of 91.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Midland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Midland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.12 | $4,169 | $50,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.27 | $2,502 | $30,018 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.85 | $1,668 | $20,012 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Midland) | $24.05 |
| 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 Midland, MI earn a median of $50,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.47% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.60% below the Michigan state average of $51,376.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,018/year (purchasing power: $32,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,030/year (purchasing power: $54,427).
CoL index: 91.921 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Midland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Midland grew 11.6% from $20.72/hr (2019) to $23.13/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.01/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 Midland 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 Midland
When considering the earning potential for welders in Midland, part-time professionals working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can take home a substantial income annually, although it will be less than full-time welders. For in-demand specialties such as pipe welding, the per diem options can significantly boost take-home pay; traveling pipe welders often receive between $80-$175 per day on top of a base hourly wage that ranges from $40-$70. Those involved in refinery turnarounds frequently earn between $50-$80 per hour, with opportunities for double-time on weekends. The variability in welder hourly pay reflects the differences among employers such as structural steel fabrication shops and nuclear power facilities. As a result, some welders may opt for positions that offer lower hourly rates with better health benefits, while others who prioritize higher checks may find joy in working gigs that lack these perks. Skilled laborers in Midland should consider negotiating hourly pay based on their qualifications and certifications, as this can lead to better financial outcomes, particularly in specialty areas like the 6G certification or underwater welding.
More salary data for Midland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Midland in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Midland?
Are welders in Midland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Midland?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Midland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Midland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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