Welder Hourly Pay in East Providence, RI: $26.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in East Providence, RI runs $26.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against East Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,405 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Providence, RI, welders can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $26.77, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $26.87. This rate allows part-time welders working three days a week to achieve a comfortable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range for this occupation stretches from $20.08 on the lower end for entry-level positions to approximately $37.55 for top earners. Typical work settings for these professionals include fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and manufacturing production cells where they might utilize certifications such as AWS or NCCER. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing insights into the earning potential for those considering welding careers in East Providence.
About the East Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.08 | $160.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.43 | $187.43 |
| Median (P50) | $26.77 | $214.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.15 | $249.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.55 | $300.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Providence
Based on $26.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.77/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $55,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,120. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,070.68 | $4,640 | $55,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.41 | $2,784 | $33,405 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.27 | $1,856 | $22,270 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (East Providence) | $26.77 |
| 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 East Providence, RI earn a median of $55,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.38% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,187.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.77/hr = $33,405/year (purchasing power: $33,239).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,675/year (purchasing power: $55,398).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in East Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in East Providence grew 26.5% from $20.35/hr (2019) to $25.74/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.84/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 East Providence 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 East Providence
Evaluating the financial landscape for welders reveals a rich array of earning opportunities. A part-time welder working just 24 hours a week could take home around $33,274 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart, but still a feasible option for those balancing other commitments. Per diem welding work, especially in pipeline or refinery environments, can further increase compensation, with rates varying from $40-$70/hr plus daily allowances ranging from $80-$175, enhancing overall earnings. Different employer types influence hourly rates; structural steel fabrication might offer competitiveness in pay, while specialized fields like underwater welding or nuclear plant maintenance command the highest premiums. Choices regarding hourly wages often come down to the package of benefits offered, with some welders accepting lower hourly rates for health insurance and retirement plans, while others opt for higher pay without benefits. For welders in East Providence, honing negotiation skills becomes essential, especially in a market characterized by strong demand and an aging workforce, which contributes to ample job opportunities and potential for financial growth.
More salary data for East Providence, RI:
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 East Providence. 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 East Providence 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