Welder Hourly Pay in Norman, OK: $24.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Norman, OK runs $24.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Norman's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,213 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Norman, OK, can expect a median hourly pay of $24.21, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $26.87. This hourly rate provides a solid return for both full-time and part-time welders, particularly those working three days a week. In typical welding settings, such as fabrication shop production lines or pipeline trench stations, this earnings potential allows for a reasonable standard of living in the area. The pay range showcases varied experiences and skills, with entry-level welders earning around $16.60 per hour, while top earners can make up to $34.89 per hour, indicating significant upward mobility for skilled professionals in this field. Given that these hourly figures are estimated from annual salary data, the actual take-home for welders may also be influenced by specific industry certifications and processes, such as TIG or pipe welding, which can increase pay.
About the Norman Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.60 | $132.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.58 | $172.62 |
| Median (P50) | $24.21 | $193.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.34 | $226.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.89 | $279.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norman
Based on $24.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.21/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norman, OK can expect to earn approximately $50,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,051. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.35 | $4,196 | $50,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.01 | $2,518 | $30,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.34 | $1,678 | $20,142 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Norman) | $24.21 |
| 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 Norman, OK earn a median of $50,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $49,667.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.21/hr = $30,213/year (purchasing power: $33,985).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,354/year (purchasing power: $56,642).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Norman grew 26.5% from $18.40/hr (2019) to $23.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.17/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 Norman 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 Norman
In terms of part-time earnings, a welder working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income that aligns closely with more full-time positions, though benefits might differ significantly. Per diem welders in Norman often see additional income ranging from $80 to $175 a day on top of their hourly compensation, which can make traveling roles particularly lucrative. During refinery turnarounds, for instance, welders can earn between $50 and $80 per hour, plus double-time on weekends, maximizing their total income. The variance in hourly pay is often related to employer type; structural steel fabrication shops may offer steadier hours compared to the more volatile pipeline and shipyard sectors. Self-employed welders, for example, can command rates from $90 to $160 per hour, yet must weigh the trade-offs of less job security against the potential for higher pay. Many in the field opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits and stability, emphasizing the need for effective negotiation strategies tailored to the local market dynamics of Norman, OK.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
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 Norman. 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 Norman 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