Welder Hourly Pay in Rocky Mount, NC: $24.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Rocky Mount, NC runs $24.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Rocky Mount's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,952 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rocky Mount, NC, the welder hourly pay stands at a median of $24.80, falling short of the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate provides a solid earning potential, especially for part-time workers typically engaging in 24-hour weeks, where they can take home a commendable income while maintaining flexibility. In common work environments like fabrication shops and pipeline welding sites, entry-level positions might start at around $20.18/hour, while highly skilled workers, particularly those with advanced certifications like the 6G pipe certification, can command rates as high as $34.97/hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reflects the growing opportunities and competitive rates for welders operating in specialty roles and demanding conditions within Rocky Mount.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.18 | $161.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.39 | $187.10 |
| Median (P50) | $24.80 | $198.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.66 | $237.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.97 | $279.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rocky Mount
Based on $24.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.80/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rocky Mount, NC can expect to earn approximately $51,587 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,762. With a cost-of-living index of 88.01 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rocky Mount.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rocky Mount
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $992.06 | $4,299 | $51,587 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.24 | $2,579 | $30,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.83 | $1,720 | $20,635 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Rocky Mount) | $24.80 |
| 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 Rocky Mount, NC earn a median of $51,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.72% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the North Carolina state average of $52,739.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.80/hr = $30,952/year (purchasing power: $35,168).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,587/year (purchasing power: $58,614).
CoL index: 88.012 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Rocky Mount (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Rocky Mount grew 34.4% from $17.74/hr (2019) to $23.85/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.79/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 Rocky Mount 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 Rocky Mount
Consider a welder working part-time, averaging 24 hours per week, who could expect a total of approximately $30,489 annually. In contrast, full-time professionals typically enjoy larger paychecks due to the increased hours, amplifying their earning potential. Moreover, many welders opt for per-diem roles, with traveling opportunities offering rates that can range from $40-$70/hour while adding significant daily allowances. The complexity of projects affects pay significantly; for instance, those in refinery turnaround situations may receive up to $80/hour, with additional double-time for weekend work. Different types of employers, such as construction firms, manufacturing plants, and shipyards, also create a diverse pay scale influenced by health benefits and work conditions. Ultimately, welders in Rocky Mount must weigh trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits when negotiating their pay, a strategic approach that ensures they maximize their value in a competitive market.
More salary data for Rocky Mount, NC:
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 Rocky Mount. 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