Welder Hourly Pay in Pearl, MS: $22.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Pearl, MS runs $22.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Pearl's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,474 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Pearl, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $22.82 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $26.87. This discrepancy highlights the regional economic factors influencing welder hourly pay in MS. For welders opting for part-time schedules, typically working three days a week, this rate means an annual income of approximately $35,000, while those on per-diem projects—a common setup in fabrication shops and other specialized environments—can see enhanced earnings. The pay range for welders in Pearl varies significantly, from entry-level positions at about $17.01 per hour to more experienced welders earning up to $31.23 per hour, reflecting both qualifications and the specific type of welding work involved, such as pipeline trench welding or structural repairs in shipyards.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.01 | $136.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.95 | $159.56 |
| Median (P50) | $22.82 | $182.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.02 | $208.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.23 | $249.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearl
Based on $22.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.82/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearl, MS can expect to earn approximately $47,456 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,378. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pearl.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearl
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.62 | $3,955 | $47,456 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.57 | $2,373 | $28,474 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.05 | $1,582 | $18,982 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Pearl) | $22.82 |
| 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 Pearl, MS earn a median of $47,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.90% below the Mississippi state average of $47,879.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.82/hr = $28,474/year (purchasing power: $33,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,456/year (purchasing power: $55,375).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Pearl grew 26.5% from $17.34/hr (2019) to $21.94/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.73/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 Pearl 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 Pearl
Examining the earning dynamics further, a part-time welder working 24 hours weekly might take home significantly less when contrasted with full-time welders, who often have access to better benefits. For those willing to travel, per diem welder pay in Pearl can be lucrative, with experienced welders receiving $40-$70 per hour, plus daily stipends that range from $80 to $175, depending on the project and location. More demanding roles, such as rig welders or underwater welders, can fetch premium rates, with underwater welders earning as much as $3,000 in just one day during peak seasons. Moreover, hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer—structural shops, oil and gas pipelines, and nuclear power plants each dictate different pay scales. While some welders may choose lower hourly rates for comprehensive benefits, others may prioritize higher rates and flexibility. Understanding the market and negotiating effectively can help welders in Pearl optimize their earnings and align their hourly rates with their skills and certifications.
More salary data for Pearl, MS:
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 Pearl. 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 Pearl 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