Welder Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $30.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Paterson, NJ runs $30.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,609 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, New Jersey, welders are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $30.94 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled welding professionals in various settings, including fabrication shops, pipeline operations, and manufacturing plants. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly earnings mean they can earn around $23,000 annually if working 24 hours a week, potentially benefitting from flexibility in scheduling. The hourly pay range for welders in Paterson spans from $22.95 at the entry-level to $45.69 at the top tiers, indicating a solid opportunity for growth depending on experience and certifications like the 6G pipe certification, which can drive wages higher. Given the area’s cost of living index of 115.2, this level of pay can also be more than sufficient for making ends meet while pursuing career advancement.
About the Paterson 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) | $22.95 | $183.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.05 | $216.38 |
| Median (P50) | $30.94 | $247.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.55 | $300.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.69 | $365.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $30.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.94/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $64,349 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,124. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,237.48 | $5,362 | $64,349 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.49 | $3,217 | $38,609 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.99 | $2,145 | $25,740 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Paterson) | $30.94 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $64,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $64,409.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.94/hr = $38,609/year (purchasing power: $33,515).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,349/year (purchasing power: $55,859).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Paterson grew 26.5% from $23.52/hr (2019) to $29.75/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.17/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
When examining the financial dynamics for welders in Paterson, it's clear that part-time workers have different earning potentials compared to full-time welders. When a welder works just three days a week, their annual take-home can be dramatically less than that of someone employed full time, where consistent hours compound their income. In addition, per diem welders can significantly bolster income; those on traveling assignments often earn between $80 to $175 daily, on top of their base rates that can vary widely, from $40 to $70 per hour. Specialized roles in refinery shutdowns can yield even higher earnings, where the hourly pay may reach $80, especially for weekend work. Moreover, those who venture into underwater welding can command premium rates that can exceed $1,000 per day during peak seasons. Despite market fluctuations, welders can benefit from negotiating based on their skills and the specific sectors they work in. Balancing hourly rates against benefits is critical; some welders may opt for positions that offer health insurance despite lower pay, recognizing the value in job security and health coverage over higher but potentially unstable earnings.
More salary data for Paterson, 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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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