Welder Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $30.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Newark, NJ runs $30.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,236 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,545 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, NJ, the welder hourly pay stands at a median rate of $30.89, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $26.87. This advantageous rate makes welding an attractive trade for both full-time and part-time workers. For those engaged part-time, especially working three days a week, the pay can provide a stable income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. Welders in this area typically operate in various settings like fabrication shops, pipeline trenching stations, and shipyards. The hourly pay range also highlights significant earning potential, with entry-level positions starting around $20.48 and experienced welders bringing in as much as $47.73 per hour, making it clear that high-level certifications such as the 6G pipe certification can lead to substantial monetary rewards in Newark's welding sector.
About the Newark 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) | $20.48 | $163.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.05 | $216.38 |
| Median (P50) | $30.89 | $247.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.80 | $302.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.73 | $381.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $30.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.89/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $64,241 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,062. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.40 | $5,353 | $64,241 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.24 | $3,212 | $38,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.16 | $2,141 | $25,696 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Newark) | $30.89 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $64,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $64,364.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.89/hr = $38,545/year (purchasing power: $33,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,241/year (purchasing power: $55,765).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Newark grew 26.5% from $23.48/hr (2019) to $29.70/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.12/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 Newark 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 Newark
Evaluating the earning prospects for part-time welders reveals an annual take-home of approximately $38,000 when working 24 hours a week, compared to a full-time welder's considerably higher income. Additionally, per-diem welder pay in Newark can vary greatly, especially for those taking on traveling jobs, where daily rates along with base hourly pay can reach $175. During refinery turnarounds, welders can earn $50-$80 per hour, often including bonuses for weekend work, while rig welder owner-operators can charge anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour. This variance across different employer types—structural fabrication shops, oil and gas sectors, and aerospace industries—reflects the trade-offs welders face, balancing higher pay without benefits against stable hourly wages with full health coverage. For negotiation, it's advisable to understand the specific market conditions in Newark and leverage any specialized skills to achieve a favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Newark, 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 Newark. 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 Newark 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