Welder Hourly Pay in Tullahoma, TN: $22.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Tullahoma, TN runs $22.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,426 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Tullahoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,851 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tullahoma, TN, welders earn a median hourly pay of $22.32, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $26.87. This disparity reflects local economic factors and job market conditions, impacting the financial profiles of those in the welding profession. For part-time welders working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into about $1,500 monthly, a figure that can make a significant difference in budgeting for personal expenses. Typical environments for these welders include fabrication shop production lines, pipeline trench welding, and refinery turnaround platforms, where craftsmanship is integral. For newer professionals entering the field, entry-level welders may start at $17.72, while experienced welders at the top of the range can make up to $30.11 per hour, providing a varying landscape of opportunity for those willing to invest in their skills or certifications.
About the Tullahoma 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) | $17.72 | $141.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.64 | $157.15 |
| Median (P50) | $22.32 | $178.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.36 | $202.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.11 | $240.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tullahoma
Based on $22.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.32/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tullahoma, TN can expect to earn approximately $46,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,780. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tullahoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tullahoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $892.65 | $3,868 | $46,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $535.59 | $2,321 | $27,851 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.06 | $1,547 | $18,567 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Tullahoma) | $22.32 |
| 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 Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $46,426 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.94% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $50,245.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.32/hr = $27,851/year (purchasing power: $30,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,418/year (purchasing power: $50,564).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Tullahoma grew 26.5% from $16.96/hr (2019) to $21.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.21/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 Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma
Taking a closer look at the practicalities involving welder pay in Tullahoma reveals interesting earning potentials, especially for those considering part-time roles. A welder working 24 hours a week would take home a substantially lower annual income than full-timers but can still supplement their earnings through high-demand per diem jobs. For instance, traveling pipe welders often gain a daily per diem ranging from $80 to $175, in addition to a base rate of $40 to $70 per hour, appealing for those who wish to maximize income while experiencing different job sites. During busy refinery shutdowns, some operators can charge double-time rates on weekends. Additionally, the benefits provided by some employers can impact hourly rates; welders may accept lower pay for job security and health insurance. Negotiating effectively is key, especially in a market like Tullahoma’s, where local employers span from structural steel shops to aerospace manufacturing. Tailoring proposals based on experience and certifications, such as the 6G pipe qualification, can enhance a welder's appeal to prospective employers and boost their overall earning potential in the competitive field.
More salary data for Tullahoma, 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 Tullahoma. 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 Tullahoma 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