Welder Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $28.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Bethlehem, PA runs $28.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,364 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,015 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the welder hourly pay stands at a median of $28.06, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. This difference reflects the local demand for skilled welders as well as the cost of living in the area, which is slightly below the national average. For part-time welders, working roughly three days a week, this rate translates into significant earning potential, particularly in diverse environments such as fabrication shops and manufacturing cells. The hourly pay range for welders in Bethlehem varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $20.44 and top earners reaching up to $39.79. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, demonstrating a strong market for both self-employed mobile welders and those engaged in traditional in-house roles across the manufacturing landscape.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.44 | $163.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.27 | $194.17 |
| Median (P50) | $28.06 | $224.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.60 | $260.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.79 | $318.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $28.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.06/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $58,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,668. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.26 | $4,863 | $58,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.36 | $2,918 | $35,015 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.90 | $1,945 | $23,343 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Bethlehem) | $28.06 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $58,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.42% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 8.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $53,991.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.06/hr = $35,015/year (purchasing power: $35,949).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,358/year (purchasing power: $59,915).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Bethlehem grew 26.5% from $21.33/hr (2019) to $26.98/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.18/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
Considering part-time work, a welder operating three days weekly could anticipate an annual income of approximately $43,000, contrasting sharply with full-time welders who earn over $58,000 based on a 40-hour workweek. Per diem workers, often engaged in pipe welding or refinery turnarounds, can earn significant bonuses on top of their hourly wage, with daily rates ranging from $80 to $175. Specifically, during refinery shutdowns, hourly pay can rise to between $50 and $80, with opportunities for double time on weekends. Different employer types in Bethlehem, such as steel fabrication shops and construction companies, offer varying pay rates influenced by project demands and union affiliations. Factors such as benefits, job security, and work conditions play a critical role in wage negotiations here. Welders must weigh the trade-off between choosing positions with higher pay but less security versus those providing health benefits and steady hours, making practical negotiation strategies essential in navigating the Bethlehem job market effectively.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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