Welder Hourly Pay in Niles, MI: $24.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Niles, MI runs $24.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,997 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Niles's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.4, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,602 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Niles, Michigan, the welder hourly pay is projected to be $24.52 in 2026, placing it slightly below the national median of $26.87. This rate offers a competitive wage for those involved in various welding operations such as structural fabrication, pipeline trench work, or shipyard hull construction. As a result, part-time workers who may be engaged for three days a week can expect to earn around $1,176 monthly, which is beneficial for those seeking flexible scheduling. Entry-level welders start at approximately $21.71 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command as much as $35.35, reflecting the rich pay range for welders in the area. This data comes from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and serves as a useful benchmark for prospective welders assessing opportunities in Niles.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.71 | $173.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.94 | $183.52 |
| Median (P50) | $24.52 | $196.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.20 | $233.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.35 | $282.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Niles
Based on $24.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.52/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Niles, MI can expect to earn approximately $51,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,425. With a cost-of-living index of 92.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Niles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Niles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.83 | $4,250 | $51,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.50 | $2,550 | $30,602 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.33 | $1,700 | $20,401 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Niles) | $24.52 |
| 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 Niles, MI earn a median of $50,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the Michigan state average of $51,408.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.52/hr = $30,602/year (purchasing power: $33,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,003/year (purchasing power: $55,216).
CoL index: 92.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Niles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Niles grew 22.0% from $19.32/hr (2019) to $23.58/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.50/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 Niles 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 Niles
Focusing on the financial dynamics of part-time employment and per-diem opportunities reveals substantial earning potential for welders in various settings. A part-time welder working 24 hours a week could take home around $14,124 annually versus a full-time position, reflecting how hourly rates impact total income. Welders engaged in per-diem roles often see additional daily allowances, with traveling pipe welders making between $80 to $175 per day, complemented by base pay that typically ranges from $40-$70 an hour. Specialized roles, such as refinery turnaround welders, can earn $50-$80 per hour plus premiums during weekend shifts, while rig welders operating their own equipment could bill as high as $160 per hour. Hourly rates can significantly vary based on the employer type; for example, those in structural fabrication or nuclear maintenance may have different earning structures compared to shipyard welders. Ultimately, some may choose lower hourly rates for the additional benefits of health insurance, while others prioritize maximizing their income with higher rates. For welders negotiating their pay in Niles, understanding the local market and their specific skills is crucial for obtaining favorable terms.
More salary data for Niles, 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 Niles. 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