Welder Hourly Pay in Woodbridge, NJ: $31.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Woodbridge, NJ runs $31.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,261 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Woodbridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,154 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welder hourly pay in Woodbridge, NJ, presents a competitive picture with a median rate of $31.37 per hour. This rate is significantly higher than the national median of $26.87 per hour, highlighting a robust demand for skilled welders in the area. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week for about 24 hours could yield substantial income, especially given that entry-level welders earn around $21.51 per hour, while more experienced welders can reach rates as high as $47.24, depending on the employer and specific job requirements. Positions in various environments, such as fabrication shops, pipeline installations, and shipyards, contribute to these diverse hourly rates, reflecting the specialized nature of welding and the different contexts in which these professionals operate.
About the Woodbridge 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) | $21.51 | $172.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.96 | $223.70 |
| Median (P50) | $31.37 | $250.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.93 | $303.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.24 | $377.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodbridge
Based on $31.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.37/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodbridge, NJ can expect to earn approximately $65,257 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,649. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woodbridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodbridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.95 | $5,438 | $65,257 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.97 | $3,263 | $39,154 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.98 | $2,175 | $26,103 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Woodbridge) | $31.37 |
| 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 Woodbridge, NJ earn a median of $65,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.76% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $64,360.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.37/hr = $39,154/year (purchasing power: $33,988).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,257/year (purchasing power: $56,647).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Woodbridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Woodbridge grew 26.5% from $23.85/hr (2019) to $30.17/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.63/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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge
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Part-time welders working in Woodbridge can see varying income based on their hours and type of work chosen. A typical part-time schedule may bring in $40,000–$50,000 annually, a respectable figure compared to full-time opportunities that can significantly exceed this. Additionally, per-diem wages for traveling welders often range from $80-$175 per day, making these roles appealing for those willing to travel. During refinery shutdowns, skilled turnaround welders might earn between $50-$80 per hour with double-time incentives on weekends. The industry sees a diverse pay structure, with employers like structural steel shops and aerospace firms typically offering different hourly rates compared to self-employed rig welders who command as much as $90-$160 hourly. While some welders might choose positions that offer lower hourly pay but include health benefits, others opt for opportunities without benefits in favor of higher pay rates. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for local welders navigating employment options.
More salary data for Woodbridge, 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 Woodbridge. 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 Woodbridge 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