Welder Hourly Pay in Camden, NJ: $28.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Camden, NJ runs $28.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Camden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Welders in Camden, NJ, can anticipate a median hourly wage of $28.49 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. This difference illustrates the competitive job market for welders in the region, particularly given the prevalence of fabrication shops, refinery operations, and specialized welding environments. With an hourly rate ranging from $20.95 for entry-level positions to $41.46 for top earners, welders can find opportunities that cater to both their experience levels and financial aspirations. For those looking for part-time options, working three days a week could provide a substantial paycheck in areas such as pipeline welding stations and shipyards, where both regular hours and steady demand exist.
About the Camden 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) | $20.95 | $167.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.71 | $197.66 |
| Median (P50) | $28.49 | $227.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.83 | $270.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.46 | $331.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camden
Based on $28.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.49/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $59,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,192. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.73 | $4,939 | $59,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.84 | $2,963 | $35,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.89 | $1,976 | $23,706 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Camden) | $28.49 |
| 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 Camden, NJ earn a median of $59,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 8.00% below the New Jersey state average of $64,413.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.49/hr = $35,560/year (purchasing power: $30,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,266/year (purchasing power: $51,446).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Camden grew 26.5% from $21.66/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.63/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 Camden 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 Camden
Considering the nuances of the welder hourly pay landscape in Camden, part-time welders logging approximately 24 hours per week can earn a significant income compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem welders traveling for projects can see daily rates topping between $80 and $175, supplemented by hourly wages of $40 to $70, enhancing their take-home pay substantially. Specific sectors, like refinery turnarounds, pay between $50 and $80 per hour, especially during peak shutdown times, while rig welders who own their setups may bill between $90 and $160 hourly, including their equipment costs. Each type of employment carries distinct benefits and trade-offs; welders might choose lower hourly rates with health insurance from employers or opt for higher pay without benefits. Practical negotiation strategies in Camden's welding market emphasize articulating specialty (like 6G skills) to leverage better rates while balancing job stability and market demand—crucial for navigating this evolving profession.
More salary data for Camden, 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 Camden. 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 Camden 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