Welder Hourly Pay in Norton Shores, MI: $24.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Norton Shores, MI runs $24.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,972 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Norton Shores's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,589 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Norton Shores, Michigan, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.51. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly pay of $26.87. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical 3-day workweek at 24 hours, this rate translates into a functional yet modest annual income depending on the hours worked and specific job site. Common local settings for welders include fabrication shops, pipeline trench welding stations, and manufacturing production cells. The pay scale ranges from $19.10 at the lower end for entry-level positions to about $32.66 for top earners. Many welders in this region face competitive landscapes that might involve shifts between different types of work environments, which can influence overall earnings substantially since these estimates are derived from annual salary data.
About the Norton Shores 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) | $19.10 | $152.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.31 | $170.46 |
| Median (P50) | $24.51 | $196.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.61 | $220.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.66 | $261.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norton Shores
Based on $24.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.51/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norton Shores, MI can expect to earn approximately $50,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,413. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norton Shores.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norton Shores
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.42 | $4,248 | $50,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.25 | $2,549 | $30,589 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.17 | $1,699 | $20,393 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Norton Shores) | $24.51 |
| 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 Norton Shores, MI earn a median of $50,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.81% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the Michigan state average of $51,383.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.51/hr = $30,589/year (purchasing power: $32,821).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,982/year (purchasing power: $54,701).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Norton Shores (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Norton Shores grew 26.5% from $18.63/hr (2019) to $23.57/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.49/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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores
Taking into account the potential for part-time welders in Norton Shores, a welder working just three days a week could expect to earn around $28,156 annually, compared to full-time workers who could significantly boost their income. Many seasoned professionals seek per-diem roles or agency work, where pay varies widely; for instance, traveling pipe welders often earn a base of $40-$70/hr plus daily per-diem that can range from $80 to $175. During equipment shutdowns, refinery turnaround welders can command even higher rates, earning $50-$80/hr and potentially doubling their pay for weekend work. Negotiating pay can be tricky—experienced welders may choose higher hourly rates without benefits to maximize take-home pay. In contrast, those who prioritize job security and health insurance may accept slightly lower wages. Understanding the different employer types—from structural fabrication shops to aerospace and nuclear maintenance—is crucial for welders looking to navigate their career opportunities effectively.
More salary data for Norton Shores, 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 Norton Shores. 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 Norton Shores 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