Welder Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $25.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in University City, MO runs $25.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,094 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, the welder hourly rate is projected at $25.72 for 2026, which positions it slightly below the national median of $26.87. This hourly compensation reflects the working realities for welders engaged in diverse settings such as fabrication shop production lines and pipeline trench welding stations. For part-time welders, typically working three days a week, the income translates to roughly $25,000 annually if working a 24-hour schedule, but it may vary widely depending on hours and employer types. Entry-level positions start around $19.06 per hour, while experienced welders can command upwards of $34.89, illustrating a considerable range in pay based on skill and demand in specific sectors.
About the University City 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) | $19.06 | $152.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.34 | $178.70 |
| Median (P50) | $25.72 | $205.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.75 | $238.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.89 | $279.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $25.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.72/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $53,491 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,860. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,028.67 | $4,458 | $53,491 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $617.20 | $2,675 | $32,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.47 | $1,783 | $21,396 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (University City) | $25.72 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $53,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $54,245.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.72/hr = $32,094/year (purchasing power: $35,820).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,491/year (purchasing power: $59,700).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in University City grew 26.5% from $19.55/hr (2019) to $24.73/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.74/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 University City 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 University City
The potential earnings for welders in University City can substantially vary depending on their specific roles and work arrangements. Part-time welders may take home a consistent, though modest salary, while those opting for per-diem contracts often earn more, with contract pipe welders frequently seeing base rates between $40-$70 per hour plus daily allowances that can range from $80 to $175. Refinery turnaround projects also present lucrative opportunities, offering $50-$80 per hour during peak shutdown seasons, alongside double-time for weekend work. Various employer settings, from structural steel fabrication to nuclear maintenance, will influence the rates significantly. For instance, underwater welders might see earnings soaring as high as $1,000-$3,000 per day during busy seasons. However, welders sometimes trade off higher hourly rates for benefits like healthcare. Understanding their market value and negotiating effectively is essential for those in this profession, particularly in a competitive market like University City, where industry demand is bolstered by an approaching shortfall in skilled labor.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in University City?
Are welders in University City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in University City?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in University City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 University City. 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 University City 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