Welder Hourly Pay in Mayaguez, PR: $15.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Mayaguez, PR runs $15.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $31,436 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $18,870 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, welders are projected to earn an hourly median pay of $15.12 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $26.87. This disparity highlights ongoing economic challenges for the welding workforce in PR. For those considering part-time roles—like working three days a week—this median rate translates to an income centered around $1,000 per week before taxes. Welders in various settings, such as fabrication shops or refinery platforms, could start at a range of $13.52 as entry-level workers and move up to $18.87 as more experienced professionals. This official BLS data reflects the real-world conditions and financial expectations for welders in the area, including opportunities for both permanent and temporary positions across diverse welding environments.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.52 | $108.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.89 | $111.14 |
| Median (P50) | $15.12 | $120.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.62 | $140.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $18.87 | $150.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mayaguez
Based on $15.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.12/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mayaguez, PR can expect to earn approximately $31,450 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,144.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mayaguez
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $604.81 | $2,621 | $31,450 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $362.88 | $1,572 | $18,870 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $241.92 | $1,048 | $12,580 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Mayaguez) | $15.12 |
| 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 Mayaguez, PR earn a median of $31,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 43.76% lower than the national median of $55,895.
2019 BLS Actual
$10.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Mayaguez (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $12.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Mayaguez grew 40.6% from $10.34/hr (2019) to $14.54/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.72/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 Mayaguez 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 Mayaguez
Many welders in Mayaguez choose to explore part-time opportunities or per-diem gigs, aiming to balance their workload and income. A part-time welder working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home around $31,436 annually, while full-time welders generally pull in more substantial earnings. Traveling pipe welders may command hourly rates between $40-$70, supplemented by per-diem amounts ranging from $80 to $175, especially during major projects like refinery turnarounds. Different employer types, from structural and pipeline welding to shipbuilding, influence earnings markedly. While some welders settle for lower hourly wages in exchange for healthcare benefits, others may opt for higher wages without benefits, often reflecting their long-term career strategies. Negotiating contracts effectively can be key—those in Mayaguez might consider emphasizing specialized certifications, such as the 6G pipe certification, to justify higher pay rates.
More salary data for Mayaguez, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Mayaguez in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Mayaguez?
Are welders in Mayaguez paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Mayaguez?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Mayaguez?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Puerto Rico
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 Mayaguez. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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