Welder Hourly Pay in Matthews, NC: $25.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Matthews, NC runs $25.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,158 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Matthews's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,290 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Matthews, North Carolina, the welder hourly pay is projected to be $25.07 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate offers a viable option for both part-time workers and those pursuing per-diem opportunities, allowing welders to work in environments like fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and shipyards. The hourly range for welders in Matthews stands from $18.61 for entry-level positions to $34.23 for top earners, highlighting the potential for both novices and seasoned professionals to find a suitable niche in the market. These estimates stem from annual salary projections and offer a lens into the earning landscape welders can expect within various sectors.
About the Matthews 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) | $18.61 | $148.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.86 | $174.87 |
| Median (P50) | $25.07 | $200.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.55 | $228.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.23 | $273.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Matthews
Based on $25.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.07/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Matthews, NC can expect to earn approximately $52,150 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,086. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Matthews.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Matthews
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,002.88 | $4,346 | $52,150 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $601.73 | $2,607 | $31,290 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.15 | $1,738 | $20,860 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Matthews) | $25.07 |
| 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 Matthews, NC earn a median of $52,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.69% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $52,738.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.07/hr = $31,290/year (purchasing power: $33,429).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,150/year (purchasing power: $55,716).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Matthews grew 26.5% from $19.06/hr (2019) to $24.11/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.07/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 Matthews 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 Matthews
When considering part-time work for welders, taking on a 3-day work week can yield an annual income noticeably lower than that of full-time counterparts. While a full-time welder may enjoy more stable earnings, part-time welders can balance their time more flexibly—often earning money while attending to other commitments. Per diem arrangements also enhance earnings, particularly for traveling welders who can command $40-$70/hr along with additional daily compensation ranging from $80 to $175. In Matthews, the variety of employer types—from structural steel fabrication to oil and gas pipelines—affects the hourly rates significantly. While some welders opt for slightly lower pay in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates, especially in regions with abundant contract work. Understanding these dynamics can empower welders in Matthews to negotiate effectively, taking advantage of all available salary options while considering both short-term gains and long-term benefits.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Matthews in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Matthews?
Are welders in Matthews paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Matthews?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Matthews?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Matthews. 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 Matthews 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