Welder Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $29.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Bozeman, MT runs $29.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,896 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bozeman, the welder hourly rate MT is projected to be $29.56 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive rate reflects the strong demand for welders in various sectors, from fabrication shops to pipeline welding and nuclear plant maintenance. For part-time workers, like those putting in three days a week, this translates to a take-home income that can still be quite substantial, especially with a skill set that includes specialized credentials like the 6G pipe certification. The hourly range for welders in Bozeman stretches from $23.05 for entry-level positions to $37.17 for experienced professionals, indicating ample opportunity for growth in this trade. These figures come from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, highlighting Bozeman as an attractive option for both employees and employers in the welding industry.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.05 | $184.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.36 | $202.91 |
| Median (P50) | $29.56 | $236.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.76 | $254.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.17 | $297.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $29.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.56/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $61,494 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,477. With a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,182.57 | $5,124 | $61,494 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $709.54 | $3,075 | $36,896 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.03 | $2,050 | $24,598 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Bozeman) | $29.56 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $61,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.03% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 14.40% above the Montana state average of $53,758.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.56/hr = $36,896/year (purchasing power: $35,993).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,494/year (purchasing power: $59,988).
CoL index: 102.51 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Bozeman grew 26.5% from $22.47/hr (2019) to $28.43/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.74/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
Part-time welders working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $36,756 annually, which is a solid income for those balancing other obligations or seeking flexibility. For per diem workers, the financial landscape can be even more lucrative. Traveling pipe welders, for example, often earn $40-$70 per hour base pay, frequently supplemented with per diem that ranges from $80 to $175 each day, depending on the job location. During refinery shutdowns, turnaround welders might see rates of $50-$80 per hour, adding to their appeal. Across various employer types in Bozeman, from oil and gas pipeline firms to structural steel fabrication shops, hourly wages can differ significantly based on expertise and working conditions. Some welders may accept lower hourly rates for health benefits, while owner-operators aiming for higher pay may have to forgo those perks. Understanding this environment fosters better negotiation strategies tailored to the local market, enhancing overall compensation potential for skilled welders in MT.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 Bozeman. 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, 2-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