Welder Hourly Pay in Johnston, RI: $26.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Johnston, RI runs $26.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,588 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Johnston, Rhode Island, can expect a median hourly pay of $26.11, which is slightly below the national median of $26.87. This rate can offer nice compensation for part-time workers, especially for those working in various settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding, and shipyards. Full-time welders generally benefit more from consistent income, but part-time welders working three days a week (24 hours) still make a notable income that allows flexibility. Additionally, the hourly pay for entry-level welders starts at $20.69, while experienced professionals can earn up to $37.00 per hour, reflecting a diverse pay scale that accommodates all skill levels, from novice to highly specialized individuals.
About the Johnston 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) | $20.69 | $165.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.08 | $184.60 |
| Median (P50) | $26.11 | $208.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.63 | $245.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.00 | $296.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $26.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.11/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, RI can expect to earn approximately $54,313 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,334. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,044.48 | $4,526 | $54,313 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.69 | $2,716 | $32,588 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.79 | $1,810 | $21,725 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Johnston) | $26.11 |
| 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 Johnston, RI earn a median of $54,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,175.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.11/hr = $32,588/year (purchasing power: $32,426).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,313/year (purchasing power: $54,043).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Johnston grew 26.5% from $19.85/hr (2019) to $25.11/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.15/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
For welders aiming to maximize their income in Johnston, there are diverse options beyond traditional employment. Part-time welders can earn an annual income reflective of their hourly rate, but those taking on per-diem or contract work tend to see significant earning potential. Many traveling pipe welders can command between $40-$70 per hour, supplemented by daily per-diem rates ranging from $80 to $175. Welders in high-demand environments, like refinery shutdowns, may earn $50-$80 per hour and often receive double time on weekends. Self-employed rig welder owner-operators can reach rates of $90-$160 per hour, bolstered by the ability to manage their own equipment. However, welders must weigh the benefits of obtaining health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits when considering job offers. For success in this market, knowing how to negotiate effectively, especially for those with specialized certifications like the 6G pipe, can make a difference in securing higher welder hourly pay in Johnston, RI.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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