Welder Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $24.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Smyrna, TN runs $24.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,790 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,472 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Smyrna, TN, is projected to reach $24.42, which is notably lower than the national median of $26.87 per hour. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can provide a decent living, though it often requires supplemental income sources. Per-diem scenarios also influence earnings significantly, especially for welders engaged in fabrication shop production lines, pipeline trench welding stations, or refinery turnaround projects. The hourly wage range for welders in Smyrna sees entry-level positions earning approximately $17.76, while experienced top earners can make up to $34.40 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimations, showcasing the potential for both steady positions and short-term contracts within various sectors.
About the Smyrna 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) | $17.76 | $142.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.03 | $168.21 |
| Median (P50) | $24.42 | $195.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.85 | $230.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.40 | $275.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $24.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.42/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $50,787 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,300. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.67 | $4,232 | $50,787 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.00 | $2,539 | $30,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.67 | $1,693 | $20,315 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Smyrna) | $24.42 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $50,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.13% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $50,237.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.42/hr = $30,472/year (purchasing power: $33,194).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,787/year (purchasing power: $55,324).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Smyrna grew 26.5% from $18.56/hr (2019) to $23.48/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.39/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Considering the part-time earning potential, welders working 24 hours a week in Smyrna could expect an annual take-home amounting to around $30,462, a considerable difference when compared to full-time equivalents. Per-diem opportunities, especially for traveling or agency welders, can significantly increase earnings, with daily rates often ranging from $80 to $175 atop base pay, which could be between $40 to $70 per hour. For refinery turnaround welders, the pay can spike to $50-$80 per hour plus overtime, while rig welder owner-operators could bill as much as $90-$160 hourly. In Smyrna, hourly rates differ widely depending on the setting—be it structural steel fabrication, petrochemical welding, or shipyard jobs. Many welders must balance hourly pay against benefits, opting for lower-paying positions with health insurance over higher wages without such safety nets. For those negotiating their hourly rate, understanding local wage trends and the demands of specific sectors, such as nuclear power plant maintenance or manufacturing production, is key to achieving favorable compensation.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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