Welder Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $25.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Apex, NC runs $25.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,874 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, the projected median welder hourly pay for 2026 is $25.54, which is slightly lower than the national median of $26.87. This figure is indicative of the local market conditions and the demand for welders in various settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline projects, and manufacturing environments. For welders looking for part-time positions, working three days a week can yield a significant income, with possibilities in per-diem work adding to the total pay. Entry-level welders in the area can expect to start at around $18.41 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale, especially in specialized roles, could earn as much as $35.83 hourly. As these figures are estimates derived from annual salary projections, they provide insight into the potential earnings for welders in various sectors of the economy.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.41 | $147.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.84 | $182.69 |
| Median (P50) | $25.54 | $204.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.45 | $235.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.83 | $286.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $25.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.54/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $53,123 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,648. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,021.60 | $4,427 | $53,123 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.96 | $2,656 | $31,874 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.64 | $1,771 | $21,249 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Apex) | $25.54 |
| 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 Apex, NC earn a median of $53,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.96% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $52,752.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.54/hr = $31,874/year (purchasing power: $34,053).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,123/year (purchasing power: $56,755).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Apex grew 26.5% from $19.41/hr (2019) to $24.56/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.56/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 Apex 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 Apex
Exploring the potential earnings of part-time welders in Apex reveals that dedicating just three days a week can result in an annual take-home income comparable to many full-time positions. For instance, a part-time welder working 24 hours a week would take home a solid income, albeit not at the full-time level. Welders opting for per-diem roles can considerably boost their earnings, especially those involved in pipeline and refinery work, enjoying base hourly pay rates between $40 and $80, with additional daily per-diem compensations ranging from $80 to $175. Moreover, owner-operators and specialized welders like underwater divers can fetch hourly rates between $90 and $160, capitalizing on their unique skills. The variance in hourly wages also reflects the type of employment—structural fabrication shops may offer lower rates compared to the lucrative contracts available in the oil and gas sector. Welders in Apex should consider not just the base hourly pay but also the value of benefits, as some might prefer lower wages in exchange for job security and health insurance. Practical negotiation strategies can involve emphasizing certifications like AWS or NQA-1, which could secure a higher rate for skilled welders in the region.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Apex. 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 Apex 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