Welder Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $23.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Gallatin, TN runs $23.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,239 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallatin, the welder hourly rate is projected to be $23.43 in 2026, reflecting a significant variance from the national hourly median of $26.87. This salary impact on part-time workers could lead to earnings of around $17,377 for those working three days a week. Such figures hold importance for welders across diverse work settings, including fabrication shop production lines and pipeline welding stations. The hourly range for welders in the area spans from $16.74 at the 10th percentile to $33.37 at the 90th percentile, catering to entry-level positions and the most experienced professionals alike. The data provided is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, offering an insight into earnings across various roles within the welding industry in Gallatin, TN.
About the Gallatin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.74 | $133.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.30 | $170.38 |
| Median (P50) | $23.43 | $187.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.51 | $220.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.37 | $266.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $23.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.43/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $48,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,115. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.16 | $4,061 | $48,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.29 | $2,437 | $29,239 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.86 | $1,624 | $19,493 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Gallatin) | $23.43 |
| 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 Gallatin, TN earn a median of $48,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.83% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $50,230.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.43/hr = $29,239/year (purchasing power: $31,851).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,732/year (purchasing power: $53,085).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Gallatin grew 26.5% from $17.81/hr (2019) to $22.53/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.36/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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin
Hourly pay can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, employer type, and job location. For example, traveling pipe welders can command base rates of $40 to $70 per hour, and this may be supplemented with per diem pay rates ranging from $80 to $175, depending on the assignment's demands. Welders involved in refinery turnarounds during shutdowns may find themselves earning between $50 to $80 per hour, particularly when overtime is factored in. Additionally, owner-operators of mobile welding rigs can bill clients at rates from $90 to $160 per hour, taking into account their equipment and expertise. While some welders may choose lower hourly wages for the added benefit of health insurance, others prioritize higher pay in exchange for taking on less secure positions without such coverage. Clear negotiation strategies can make a difference in this market; understanding the specific job requirements and articulating one's qualifications effectively can help welders secure better pay in Gallatin, TN.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
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 Gallatin. 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 Gallatin 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