Welder Hourly Pay in Hillsboro, OR: $31.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Hillsboro, OR runs $31.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Hillsboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,596 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hillsboro, Oregon, welders receive a median hourly pay of $31.73, significantly outpacing the national median of $26.87. This elevated rate reflects the demand for skilled labor in various welding environments, from fabrication shops to complex maritime and industrial settings. Such a wage can make a substantial difference for those working part-time; a welder putting in three days a week can earn an impressive amount, while those in positions ranging from entry-level to the most experienced craftspeople can see hourly rates from $22.68 to $45.70, illustrating a diverse earning potential in the industry. As the field expands and adapts, this hourly rate is derived from projected annual salaries, embodying the financial growth anticipated for welders in this region.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.68 | $181.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.11 | $216.88 |
| Median (P50) | $31.73 | $253.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.20 | $297.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.70 | $365.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hillsboro
Based on $31.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.73/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hillsboro, OR can expect to earn approximately $65,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,073. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hillsboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hillsboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.09 | $5,499 | $65,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.46 | $3,300 | $39,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.64 | $2,200 | $26,397 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Hillsboro) | $31.73 |
| 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 Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $65,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.07% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 11.20% above the Oregon state average of $59,347.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.73/hr = $39,596/year (purchasing power: $38,592).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,993/year (purchasing power: $64,321).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Hillsboro grew 26.5% from $24.12/hr (2019) to $30.51/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.99/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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Considering the potential realities of part-time welding, a welder working 24 hours a week takes home about $39,870 annually, which still presents a sound option for many. Meanwhile, per-diem strategies often add considerable value, with traveling welders earning anywhere from $80 to $175 per day, alongside base pay of $40 to $70 per hour. For those on refinery turnaround jobs, substantial weekend pay can reach $80 per hour or more. This trend is also evident in other niches; underwater welders often command day rates ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 due to the specialized skills and risks involved, while rig welders can maximize their income through ownership of their setup, with hourly rates between $90 and $160. Moreover, welders must weigh benefits against pay rates; some may opt for a lower hourly wage to receive health benefits, while others may forgo benefits for higher pay. Understanding employer types in Hillsboro—from structural fabrication to aerospace—can provide key insights for negotiation, ensuring welders maximize their earning potential in this thriving market.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Hillsboro in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Hillsboro?
Are welders in Hillsboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Hillsboro?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Hillsboro?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro 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