Welder Hourly Pay in Pawtucket, RI: $26.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Pawtucket, RI runs $26.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,113 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Pawtucket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,665 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the welder hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $26.98 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $26.87. This competitive pay not only reflects the city's demand for skilled welding professionals but also makes it viable for part-time workers. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, the opportunity to earn a solid wage in fabrication shops or at construction sites is appealing. Additionally, welders can expect to see hourly rates ranging from $19.10 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.12 for those at the top of the earning spectrum. The variety of settings for welding, from refinery turnarounds to shipyards, offers a diverse landscape for welders in Pawtucket, enhancing their earning potential based on their skills and certifications.
About the Pawtucket 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) | $19.10 | $152.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.84 | $182.69 |
| Median (P50) | $26.98 | $215.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.44 | $251.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.12 | $320.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pawtucket
Based on $26.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.98/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pawtucket, RI can expect to earn approximately $56,108 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,370. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pawtucket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pawtucket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,079.00 | $4,676 | $56,108 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $647.40 | $2,805 | $33,665 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.60 | $1,870 | $22,443 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Pawtucket) | $26.98 |
| 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 Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $56,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $56,169.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.98/hr = $33,665/year (purchasing power: $33,497).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,108/year (purchasing power: $55,829).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Pawtucket grew 26.5% from $20.51/hr (2019) to $25.94/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.05/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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
Considering the unique earning dynamics within the welder profession, part-time welders working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $33,638 annually, which highlights a clear difference from full-time welders. Many traveling pipe welders are able to significantly boost their income through per diem opportunities, with daily rates often between $80 and $175 on top of an hourly base of $40 to $70. Those engaged in refinery shutdowns can also see substantial pay, ranging from $50 to $80 per hour, especially when double-time rates apply on weekends. The variation in hourly pay across different employer types—from structural steel fabrication to aerospace defense—offers financial flexibility for welders, while trade-offs exist between hourly rates and benefits, prompting welders to negotiate based on their personal needs. Overall, understanding the nuances of welder hourly rates in Pawtucket allows professionals to make informed decisions on their career paths in this growing industry.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Pawtucket in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Pawtucket?
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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 Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket 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