Welder Hourly Pay in Toms River, NJ: $30.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Toms River, NJ runs $30.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,484 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Toms River's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,090 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Toms River, the welder hourly pay aligns closely with the local economy, as the 2026 median rate stands at $30.52 per hour. This figure significantly exceeds the national median of $26.87 per hour, illustrating the region's competitive wages for welding professionals. For part-time workers, such as those committing to a 24-hour work week, this translates to an annual income of approximately $38,000, a figure that can rise substantially for those who engage in per-diem positions across various settings. In job environments like fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations, wages can range from $23.41 for entry-level positions to a peak of $42.65 for top earners. This hourly assessment is informed by annual salary data, reflecting a vital aspect of employment for welders in NJ, where the overall demand continues to grow.
About the Toms River 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) | $23.41 | $187.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.19 | $217.55 |
| Median (P50) | $30.52 | $244.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.09 | $280.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.65 | $341.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Toms River
Based on $30.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.52/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Toms River, NJ can expect to earn approximately $63,484 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,625. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Toms River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Toms River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.84 | $5,290 | $63,484 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.51 | $3,174 | $38,090 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.34 | $2,116 | $25,394 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Toms River) | $30.52 |
| 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 Toms River, NJ earn a median of $63,484 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $64,385.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.52/hr = $38,090/year (purchasing power: $33,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,484/year (purchasing power: $55,107).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Toms River grew 26.5% from $23.20/hr (2019) to $29.35/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.74/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 Toms River 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 Toms River
When considering part-time earnings, a welder working three days a week can earn roughly $38,054 yearly, accumulating a relatively steady income while maintaining flexibility. Traveling pipe welders often benefit from per-diem arrangements that can add between $80 and $175 daily to their base rate of $40 to $70 an hour. Similarly, welders on refinery turnaround projects may see peak earnings of $50 to $80 per hour, especially during weekends when double-time is standard. The variety of welding environments in Toms River—from manufacturing plants to shipyards—means that hourly rates can differ significantly based on employer type. Additionally, welders must evaluate trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits when considering employment options. For instance, some contractors may offer more competitive hourly rates without health insurance, prompting professionals to negotiate diligently for the best overall compensation, whether self-employed or within a union like the UA or Boilermakers.
More salary data for Toms River, 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 Toms River. 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 Toms River 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