Welder Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $27.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Trenton, NJ runs $27.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,093 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Trenton, NJ, the welder hourly pay is projected to be $27.32 in 2026, slightly exceeding the national median of $26.87. This competitive rate suggests a favorable environment for both part-time and per-diem welders, who often work in varying settings like fabrication shops, pipeline projects, and manufacturing facilities. For instance, a part-time worker engaged three days a week could anticipate earning approximately $2,080 monthly at this rate, which offers a viable income for those balancing other commitments. The hourly rate for welders in Trenton reflects a range from $22.76 for entry-level positions to as much as $41.44 for the most experienced, highlighting the potential for significant income based on skill level and experience. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reinforcing Trenton's robust welding market.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.76 | $182.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.86 | $190.84 |
| Median (P50) | $27.32 | $218.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.34 | $266.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.44 | $331.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $27.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.32/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,782. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,092.73 | $4,735 | $56,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.64 | $2,841 | $34,093 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.09 | $1,894 | $22,729 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Trenton) | $27.32 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $56,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.65% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 11.80% below the New Jersey state average of $64,422.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.32/hr = $34,093/year (purchasing power: $33,042).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,822/year (purchasing power: $55,071).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Trenton grew 27.5% from $20.61/hr (2019) to $26.27/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.41/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
For those considering part-time welding in Trenton, a worker operating 24 hours weekly might earn up to $24,500 annually, significantly less than a full-time welder, but with the freedom to pursue additional opportunities. Per-diem options further enhance earning potential; traveling pipe welders can earn between $40-$70/hr, occasionally supplemented by daily per diem rates ranging from $80 to $175, depending on the project location. Similarly, welders involved in refinery turnarounds often command higher pay during intense periods, with rates hitting $50-$80/hr plus potential for double-time on weekends. Meanwhile, specialized areas like underwater welding may yield extraordinarily high earnings, with daily rates soaring to $1,000-$3,000. Compensation in Trenton varies widely across employer types, influenced by industry demands such as structural and oilfield welding, where union workers might negotiate higher rates but sacrifice flexibility. Understanding the balance of hourly wages and benefits is critical, especially for those in non-union or self-employed situations. Engaging in strategic discussions about hourly pay, while considering factors such as specialization and market demand, can lead to more favorable outcomes for welders in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Trenton, 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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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