Welder Hourly Pay in Goose Creek, SC: $23.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Goose Creek, SC runs $23.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,360 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Goose Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,616 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Goose Creek, South Carolina, the projected hourly wage for welders stands at $23.73, which trails behind the national average of $26.87. This difference reflects the local economic landscape and opportunities available in various welding settings. Welders often work in environments such as fabrication shops, shipyards, and manufacturing facilities, where their hourly earnings are critical for both full-time and part-time positions. Entry-level positions may offer approximately $18.53, while skilled welders can earn up to $33.36 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of their work. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the flexibility can lead to varying financial outcomes, making the hourly rate a substantial aspect of overall earnings in the field.
About the Goose Creek 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) | $18.53 | $148.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.77 | $166.13 |
| Median (P50) | $23.73 | $189.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.60 | $220.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.36 | $266.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goose Creek
Based on $23.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.73/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goose Creek, SC can expect to earn approximately $49,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,477. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goose Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goose Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $949.22 | $4,113 | $49,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.53 | $2,468 | $29,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.69 | $1,645 | $19,744 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Goose Creek) | $23.73 |
| 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 Goose Creek, SC earn a median of $49,360 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.69% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.00% below the South Carolina state average of $51,417.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.73/hr = $29,616/year (purchasing power: $32,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,359/year (purchasing power: $53,945).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Goose Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Goose Creek grew 26.5% from $18.04/hr (2019) to $22.82/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.68/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 Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek
Focusing on part-time and per-diem opportunities gives insight into the actual earnings of welders in the Goose Creek area. For a welder working 24 hours a week, their annual income would hover around $29,557—an appealing figure compared to those who work full-time, but it still falls short when contrasted with the full-time income potential. Per-diem welders, especially in high-demand sectors like oil and gas or shipbuilding, can make significant additional income, often earning between $80 and $175 daily on top of their base pay. Those involved in high-pressure environments, such as refinery turnarounds or underwater welding, can command even higher rates, contributing to a broad spectrum of welder hourly pay in Goose Creek. Different employer types affect hourly wages, where union jobs or specialized certifications, such as 6G pipe welding, may lead to more competitive pay packages. Negotiating for better hours or rates is essential, especially when considering benefits like health insurance, which can influence decisions for those weighing lower hourly rates versus having coverage.
More salary data for Goose Creek, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Goose Creek in 2026?
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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 Goose Creek. 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 Goose Creek 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