Welder Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $30.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Lakewood, NJ runs $30.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,887 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,337 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Lakewood, NJ, can expect a median hourly rate of $30.72, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This disparity suggests that welding opportunities in Lakewood offer robust compensation, beneficial for both full-time and part-time professionals. For welders working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings, particularly in environments like fabrication shops and refinery turnaround projects. The hourly wage range in Lakewood varies considerably; entry-level positions may pay as low as $22.45, while seasoned professionals and mobile rig operators can command rates up to $46.07. Given these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they reflect the competitive landscape that welders in this region navigate.
About the Lakewood 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) | $22.45 | $179.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.60 | $212.81 |
| Median (P50) | $30.72 | $245.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.02 | $296.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.07 | $368.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $30.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.72/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $63,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,862. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,228.75 | $5,325 | $63,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.25 | $3,195 | $38,337 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.50 | $2,130 | $25,558 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Lakewood) | $30.72 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $63,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $64,403.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.72/hr = $38,337/year (purchasing power: $33,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,895/year (purchasing power: $55,464).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Lakewood grew 26.5% from $23.35/hr (2019) to $29.54/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.94/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Focusing on part-time earnings, a welder working three days a week at the median rate of $30.72 would take home approximately $38,208 annually, which is a respectable income. Those choosing per-diem or agency work can see their earnings expand significantly; traveling pipe welders typically earn between $40-$70 per hour, often supplemented with daily per-diem ranging from $80 to $175. Additionally, during refinery shutdowns, welders may earn premium rates of $50-$80 per hour, plus double time on weekends. The variety of employer types in Lakewood, from structural steel fabrication to nuclear power plant maintenance, also impacts hourly pay. Some welders may opt for positions with lower hourly wages that include health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating, it’s wise to consider the overall compensation package, including benefits and job stability, especially in a market affected by projected shortages in the welding workforce.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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