Welder Hourly Pay in Fort Mill, SC: $23.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Fort Mill, SC runs $23.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,475 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Fort Mill's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Mill, South Carolina, the median welder hourly rate is projected to be $23.78 in 2026, which positions it below the national median of $26.87. This disparity is significant for welders contemplating part-time or per-diem arrangements, as those working three 8-hour days a week could earn about $3,375 monthly. Given the diverse settings in which welders operate—ranging from manufacturing production cells to pipeline trench stations—the hourly rate reflects both industry demand and regional economic factors. Entry-level welders in Fort Mill may start at an hourly wage of $18.52, while top earners can see rates as high as $32.50. Overall, this hourly compensation structure signals various opportunities for welders, from fabrication to specialized roles in high-demand areas, particularly in sectors requiring specialized certifications such as AWS and ASME.
About the Fort Mill Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.52 | $148.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.21 | $169.71 |
| Median (P50) | $23.78 | $190.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.29 | $218.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.50 | $259.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Mill
Based on $23.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.78/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Mill, SC can expect to earn approximately $49,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,539. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Mill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Mill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $951.30 | $4,122 | $49,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.78 | $2,473 | $29,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.52 | $1,649 | $19,787 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Fort Mill) | $23.78 |
| 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 Fort Mill, SC earn a median of $49,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.70% below the South Carolina state average of $51,376.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.78/hr = $29,681/year (purchasing power: $32,438).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,468/year (purchasing power: $54,063).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Fort Mill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Fort Mill grew 26.5% from $18.08/hr (2019) to $22.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.73/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 Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill
Evaluating the financial impact for a part-time welder in Fort Mill, those working 24 hours a week could see a gross annual income of approximately $49,475, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts pushing for higher earnings. Per-diem welders, especially those traveling for work, frequently receive impressive daily rates ranging from $80 to $175 in addition to base hourly pay between $40 and $70. During refinery turnarounds, it’s not uncommon for welders to make $50 to $80 an hour, which may also include overtime pay. The difference across employer types—whether in structural steel fabrication, pipeline welding, or nuclear power maintenance—often means welders negotiate significantly different pay based on their specific skill set and demand in Fort Mill, SC. Some may prefer higher hourly wages that lack benefits, while others opt for lower rates with health coverage. For those looking to maximize earnings, understanding the dynamics of local demand and having a clear negotiation strategy will be essential in securing favorable terms in this progressive marketplace.
More salary data for Fort Mill, SC:
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 Fort Mill. 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 Fort Mill 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