Welder Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $24.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $24.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,304 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, welders earn a median hourly rate of $24.28, which falls short of the national hourly median of $26.87. This difference highlights the local economic landscape, affecting part-time and per-diem opportunities. Welders working three days a week at standard hours can expect to earn around $1,166.64 a week, while those seeking per-diem roles might find themselves in settings like fabrication shops or pipeline maintenance, where daily pay can significantly enhance their earnings. The hourly pay range for welders in the area is notable; entry-level positions start at $18.98, progressing to experienced professionals earning up to $29.64 per hour. This variety in pay reflects the diverse welding types and specialties currently needed in Cape Girardeau's industrial sectors.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.98 | $151.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.08 | $176.62 |
| Median (P50) | $24.28 | $194.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.29 | $218.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.64 | $237.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $24.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.28/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,506 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,138. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.27 | $4,209 | $50,506 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.76 | $2,525 | $30,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.51 | $1,684 | $20,202 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Cape Girardeau) | $24.28 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $50,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.62% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 6.90% below the Missouri state average of $54,262.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.28/hr = $30,304/year (purchasing power: $35,205).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,506/year (purchasing power: $58,675).
CoL index: 86.078 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Cape Girardeau grew 36.2% from $17.15/hr (2019) to $23.35/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.25/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
Considering different work scenarios, part-time welders may find a substantial difference in their annual income compared to full-time welders. For example, a welder working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $61,600 annually, a viable income level in Cape Girardeau with its lower-than-average cost of living. On the other hand, per-diem welders working in higher-stakes environments, such as refinery turnarounds or pipeline projects, can command incredible rates, with earnings often reaching $50-$80 per hour plus substantial daily per diem allowances ranging from $80 to $175. Across various employers in Cape Girardeau—from structural steel fabrication shops to engineering firms—welders may find differing hourly rates reflecting the industry's demands and the prevailing market conditions. While some may opt for lower-paying positions with benefits such as health insurance, others might prefer higher-paying roles that lack these perks. Negotiating effectively involves understanding these dynamics and leveraging industry standards specific to the Cape Girardeau region.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
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 Cape Girardeau. 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