Welder Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $28.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Salem, NH runs $28.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,528 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,118 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, the welder hourly pay is projected to be $28.14 in 2026, placing it slightly above the national median of $26.87. This favorable rate benefits both full-time and part-time welders, particularly those working in fabrication shops, pipeline weld stations, or shipyards. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the consistent demand in these environments can lead to significant income, facilitating meaningful earnings that may complement another source of revenue. Welders at the entry level can expect to start around $20.37, while those with extensive experience and expertise, such as 6G-certified pipe welders or those engaged in specialized fields like nuclear power, may command upwards of $38.62 per hour. These hourly figures, derived from annual salary approximations, indicate a competitive wage landscape for welders in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.37 | $162.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.09 | $192.76 |
| Median (P50) | $28.14 | $225.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.22 | $257.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.62 | $308.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $28.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.14/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $58,531 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,768. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.59 | $4,878 | $58,531 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.35 | $2,927 | $35,118 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.24 | $1,951 | $23,412 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Salem) | $28.14 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $58,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $59,967.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.14/hr = $35,118/year (purchasing power: $32,729).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,531/year (purchasing power: $54,549).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Salem grew 26.5% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $27.06/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.26/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 Salem 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 Salem
Looking deeper into the earning potential, part-time welders in Salem working 24 hours a week could bring home substantial annual earnings, but it’s crucial to compare this with full-time opportunities. Welders working with agencies or traveling can enhance their income with per diem arrangements, which often add $80 to $175 daily, amplifying their base hourly salary. For example, during refinery turnarounds, welders can expect to earn $50 to $80 per hour, often with double-time for weekend work, resulting in impressive financial outcomes. The hourly rates fluctuate significantly based on the employer type; structural fabricators and oil pipeline welding often lean on high-demand cycles that can disproportionately benefit welders during peak operational periods. Negotiation skills become important in this context. Welders may be faced with choices between lower hourly rates with benefits like health insurance and higher pay without such safety nets. Understanding the specifics of employment types in Salem will be key to maximizing income in this evolving market.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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