Welder Hourly Pay in Branson, MO: $24.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Branson, MO runs $24.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Branson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,252 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Branson, Missouri, can expect a median hourly rate of $24.24 for 2026, which is notably below the national median of $26.87. This figure highlights the unique economic landscape in Branson, where the cost of living is lower than the national average. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this rate translates into a manageable income, though they may miss out on benefits often provided with full-time positions. Per-diem welders frequently find themselves in fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, or shipyards, where their hourly rate ranges from $19.37 to $32.95, allowing for flexibility in scheduling and potentially lucrative earning opportunities for top performers in the field. These hourly figures are derived from BLS estimated annual salaries, emphasizing the practicality of hourly wages in the welding profession.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.37 | $154.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.06 | $176.45 |
| Median (P50) | $24.24 | $193.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.70 | $221.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.95 | $263.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Branson
Based on $24.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.24/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Branson, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,419 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,088. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Branson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Branson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.60 | $4,202 | $50,419 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.76 | $2,521 | $30,252 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.84 | $1,681 | $20,168 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Branson) | $24.24 |
| 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 Branson, MO earn a median of $50,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.80% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $54,268.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.24/hr = $30,252/year (purchasing power: $33,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,419/year (purchasing power: $56,272).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Branson grew 26.5% from $18.43/hr (2019) to $23.31/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.21/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 Branson 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 Branson
For welders working part-time in Branson, the annual income for a 24-hour week would be around $28,600 if they strictly earn the median hourly pay. In contrast, full-time welders typically earn significantly more, which brings attention to the benefits of pursuing full-time positions. Moreover, per diem opportunities offer welders substantial financial rewards, especially in specialized roles. Traveling pipe welders frequently earn $40-$70 per hour plus daily per diem rates of $80 to $175, depending on location and demand. Similarly, refinery turnaround welders can command $50-$80 per hour. Given the variability in hourly rates across different sectors—like shipyards, nuclear power, and construction—welders in Branson can negotiate compensation based on specialized skills and certifications, such as the 6G pipe certification. Health insurance can sway decisions on hourly rates, as welders may choose jobs that offer more benefits at the price of a lower hourly wage. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for welders in Branson, allowing them to navigate their career with informed expectations and strategic choices.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Branson. 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 Branson 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