Welder Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $25.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Chester, PA runs $25.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,188 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,316 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Chester, Pennsylvania, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $25.09, although this figure lags slightly behind the national median of $26.87. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, this rate translates into a practical income while still accommodating personal schedules. The pay for welders in Chester varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $19.85 per hour, and experienced professionals making up to $34.03 per hour. The hourly wages generally reflect the type of work and setting, whether it's a fabrication shop, a nuclear power facility, or a mobile welding operation, with estimations based on annual salaries clarified. In Chester’s market, the welder hourly pay can significantly impact lifestyle choices, especially for those working only a few days a week or accepting per diem roles.
About the Chester 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) | $19.85 | $158.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.70 | $181.61 |
| Median (P50) | $25.09 | $200.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.42 | $227.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.03 | $272.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $25.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.09/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $52,193 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,111. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,003.71 | $4,349 | $52,193 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.23 | $2,610 | $31,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.48 | $1,740 | $20,877 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Chester) | $25.09 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $52,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.63% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $54,025.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.09/hr = $31,316/year (purchasing power: $32,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,193/year (purchasing power: $53,586).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Chester grew 26.5% from $19.08/hr (2019) to $24.13/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.09/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 Chester 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 Chester
Considering the opportunities available in Chester, welders working part-time can see substantial annual income even while not pursuing full-time employment. A welder on a three-day workweek, totaling about 24 hours, might bring home around $31,900 annually, which is a viable option given its flexibility. For those in per diem or agency work, the earnings can vary even more dramatically; traveling pipe welders generally command base rates of $40 to $70 an hour, plus per diem pay of approximately $80-$175 per day. In Chester, employers range from structural steel fabrication shops to oil and gas industries, with each offering different compensation structures. Welders seeking stability may choose positions with benefits, even if that means accepting lower hourly rates, while others might pursue higher pay without benefits. Negotiation strategies can also enhance earnings; for instance, demonstrating expertise in high-demand certifications like the 6G pipe can make one a competitive candidate, potentially leading to more lucrative contracts in Chester’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Chester?
Are welders in Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Chester?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Chester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Chester. 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 Chester 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