Welder Hourly Pay in Bridgewater, NJ: $30.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Bridgewater, NJ runs $30.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Bridgewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,051 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Bridgewater, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $30.49, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. This elevated pay reflects the strong demand for skilled welding professionals in this region, particularly within industries such as manufacturing and energy. For welders working part-time, such as those taking on shifts three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to substantial weekly earnings, supporting their needs in various welding settings including fabrication shops, pipeline work, and shipyards. The hourly wages span a broad range, from about $22.44 for entry-level positions to $41.39 for those at the top of their field, indicating a healthy potential for career advancement based on experience and skill specialization.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.44 | $179.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.43 | $211.47 |
| Median (P50) | $30.49 | $243.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.56 | $276.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.39 | $331.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgewater
Based on $30.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.49/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgewater, NJ can expect to earn approximately $63,419 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,588. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.59 | $5,285 | $63,419 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.76 | $3,171 | $38,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.84 | $2,114 | $25,368 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Bridgewater) | $30.49 |
| 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 Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $63,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $64,377.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.49/hr = $38,051/year (purchasing power: $33,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,419/year (purchasing power: $55,051).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Bridgewater grew 26.5% from $23.18/hr (2019) to $29.32/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.71/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 Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater
For part-time welders in Bridgewater, working 24 hours a week at the local hourly pay can yield around $37,974 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still a respectable income for the hours worked. Per-diem welders can enhance their earnings considerably; rates for traveling pipe welders typically reach $80-$175 daily, supplementing their base pay. Those working in refinery turnarounds during peak shutdown periods might see hourly wages between $50 to $80, with additional compensation for weekend hours. The variety of employment settings—from structural shops to aerospace production—means that wages can vary based on industry demands. Moreover, while lower hourly rates may come with benefits like health insurance, many welders might weigh this against the potential for higher pay in contract or freelance roles without such perks. When negotiating pay, welders should emphasize certifications like the 6G pipe certification to leverage higher hourly rates, aligning with industry standards that often dictate compensation structures.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
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 Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 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