Welder Hourly Pay in Long Branch, NJ: $30.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Long Branch, NJ runs $30.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Long Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,701 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Branch, NJ, the welder hourly pay averages $30.21, significantly surpassing the national median of $26.87. This strong hourly rate benefits not only full-time welders who typically work in various settings like fabrication shops and shipyards but also part-time professionals and per-diem workers. Those employed on a part-time basis, such as working three days a week, can effectively earn a competitive wage while balancing other responsibilities. Entry-level welders start at around $21.89, while experienced professionals can command as much as $43.38 per hour. This wide hourly range reflects the diverse skills and certifications required in the field, such as the highly sought-after 6G pipe certification, which can enhance a welder's earning potential in specialized environments.
About the Long Branch 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) | $21.89 | $175.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.85 | $206.82 |
| Median (P50) | $30.21 | $241.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.69 | $285.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.38 | $347.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Branch
Based on $30.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.21/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Branch, NJ can expect to earn approximately $62,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,251. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.36 | $5,236 | $62,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.02 | $3,142 | $37,701 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.35 | $2,094 | $25,134 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Long Branch) | $30.21 |
| 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 Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $62,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.40% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $64,372.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.21/hr = $37,701/year (purchasing power: $32,727).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,835/year (purchasing power: $54,544).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Long Branch grew 26.5% from $22.96/hr (2019) to $29.05/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.41/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 Long Branch 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 Long Branch
Turning to the realities of part-time work, a welder operating for three days a week at 24 hours per week can expect to take home a significant amount annually, though still less than full-time counterparts. Per diem welders in Long Branch sometimes earn additional compensation on top of their base hourly wages, with rates typically ranging from $40-$70 per hour combined with per diem stipends averaging $80-$175 per day. Welders on refinery turnaround projects during shutdowns may command impressive hourly rates of $50-$80, often with double-time pay on weekends. Moreover, those operating as self-employed mobile welders can charge from $90-$160 per hour, including equipment costs. While some welders prioritize higher base wages without benefits, others choose positions that offer health and retirement benefits at slightly lower hourly rates. Negotiating pay effectively can be crucial, especially in a region like Long Branch, where industry demand is bolstered by ongoing shortages projected by the AWS.
More salary data for Long Branch, 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 Long Branch. 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 Long Branch 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