Welder Hourly Pay in Lakewood, OH: $24.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Lakewood, OH runs $24.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, OH, the welder hourly pay stands at $24.74, which is below the national median of $26.87 per hour. This rate indicates a range of pay that caters to both entry-level and experienced welders, with hourly earnings varying from $17.36 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $36.59 for top earners (P90). For welders engaged in part-time work—typically three days a week—this translates to a significant weekly income potential. In usual job settings like fabrication shop production lines or shipyard hull welding bays, these hourly rates provide stable pay for skilled professionals. The variability in pay also shows the impact of specialization; experienced welders in pipeline trench welding stations or those with 6G certifications can further capitalize on their skills by negotiating higher pay rates, driven by demand in specific sectors.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.36 | $138.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.83 | $166.63 |
| Median (P50) | $24.74 | $197.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.71 | $229.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.59 | $292.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $24.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.74/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, OH can expect to earn approximately $51,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,687. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.57 | $4,288 | $51,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.74 | $2,573 | $30,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.83 | $1,715 | $20,583 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Lakewood) | $24.74 |
| 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 Lakewood, OH earn a median of $51,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.94% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $51,717.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.74/hr = $30,875/year (purchasing power: $34,040).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,458/year (purchasing power: $56,734).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Lakewood grew 26.5% from $18.81/hr (2019) to $23.79/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.73/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When analyzing what welders can expect in terms of annual earnings, those working part-time should consider their typical schedule. A welder working 24 hours a week can anticipate a take-home income substantially lower than full-time peers. For example, a part-time welder would find their annual earnings significantly affected when measured against full-timers. Moreover, the reality of per-diem options is attractive; traveling pipe welders often receive anywhere from $80 to $175 per day in addition to their base rates, positioning this avenue as lucrative for those willing to travel. Various employer types in Lakewood influence hourly pay as well; structural steel fabricators may offer different rates compared to oil and gas pipeline welders or petrochemical companies. The decision to accept lower wages in exchange for benefits versus higher hourly rates without such support is another critical factor for welding professionals. As wage negotiations vary based on experience and employer type, welders should be prepared to advocate for their value, keeping in mind the potential for higher earnings especially in specialized fields.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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