Welder Hourly Pay in Union City, NJ: $30.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Union City, NJ runs $30.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,505 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Union City, NJ, is projected to reach a median of $30.53, which stands significantly above the national hourly median of $26.87. This elevated pay rate is reflective of the region's industrial activity and the demand for skilled labor in various welding environments such as fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. Entry-level welders can expect to earn approximately $23.44, while experienced professionals at the top of their field may command up to $44.62 per hour. For those pursuing part-time opportunities, working three days a week may translate into substantial earnings, making welding an attractive option for workers seeking flexibility, particularly in mobile rig setups and refinery projects where per diem structures can further enhance income.
About the Union City 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) | $23.44 | $187.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.21 | $217.71 |
| Median (P50) | $30.53 | $244.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.27 | $290.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.62 | $356.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $30.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.53/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $63,505 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,638. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,221.26 | $5,292 | $63,505 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.76 | $3,175 | $38,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.50 | $2,117 | $25,402 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Union City) | $30.53 |
| 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 Union City, NJ earn a median of $63,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.61% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $64,406.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.53/hr = $38,103/year (purchasing power: $33,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,505/year (purchasing power: $55,126).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Union City grew 26.5% from $23.21/hr (2019) to $29.36/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.75/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 Union City 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 Union City
The financial prospects for welders in Union City extend beyond the regular hourly wage, especially for those engaged in per diem and agency roles. Welders who choose to take on three-day workweeks may earn around $36,000 annually if they effectively manage their hours, whereas full-time welders could significantly increase their earnings above $60,000. Furthermore, the per diem welder pay in Union City can vary dramatically, with traveling pipe welders often receiving between $80 and $175 daily on top of an hourly wage that ranges from $40 to $70. Specialized positions, such as underwater welders, can yield staggering daily earnings, sometimes reaching $1,000 or more during peak seasons. Employers within diverse sectors like oil and gas, aerospace, and nuclear maintenance may offer differing rates, allowing for negotiation, particularly when weighing benefits against hourly pay. Successful hourly workers consider these factors and aim to negotiate favorable terms that align with their career goals, especially given the anticipated growth of the welding workforce in response to ongoing industry demand.
More salary data for Union City, 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 Union City. 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 Union City 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