Welder Hourly Pay in Norfolk, NE: $22.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Norfolk, NE runs $22.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,631 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, NE, the current welder hourly rate is projected at $22.90 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $26.87 per hour. For welders working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, the earnings could translate to about $28,235 annually, while a full-time schedule enhances that significantly. These welding professionals are often found in environments like fabrication shops or pipeline construction sites. Entry-level workers can expect around $18.39, while those at the top of their game, such as mobile rig welders or specialists in critical applications, can earn up to $31.23 per hour. This pay structure reflects the demands and skill levels associated with various welding tasks across Norfolk.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.39 | $147.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.89 | $167.13 |
| Median (P50) | $22.90 | $183.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.24 | $209.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.23 | $249.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $22.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.90/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, NE can expect to earn approximately $47,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,478. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $915.94 | $3,969 | $47,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.57 | $2,381 | $28,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.38 | $1,588 | $19,052 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Norfolk) | $22.90 |
| 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 Norfolk, NE earn a median of $47,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $51,161.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.90/hr = $28,577/year (purchasing power: $31,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,629/year (purchasing power: $52,054).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Norfolk grew 26.5% from $17.41/hr (2019) to $22.02/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.81/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For many welding professionals, the financial reality varies significantly between full-time employment and per-diem work. Welders who take on three days a week may find themselves drawing a stable income, while those who travel for projects could earn substantially more. Per diem welders typically gain between $80 and $175 daily in addition to their hourly pay, which can range from $40 to $70 depending on the job's location and specifics. Specializations such as rig welding or underwater welding can yield impressive rates, reaching as high as $1,000 to $3,000 a day during peak seasons. Variations in hourly wage often depend on the type of employer; structural steel shops might offer different pay compared to the oil and gas sector. Some welders choose lower hourly rates for the benefits package, while others secure higher pay at the cost of job security and benefits. To maximize their earnings in Norfolk, welders should consider honing their certifications, including the highly regarded 6G pipe certification, and be prepared to negotiate effectively regarding pay and benefits during job offers.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Norfolk?
Are welders in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Norfolk?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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