Welder Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $25.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Arlington, TX runs $25.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,562 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median welder hourly pay in Arlington, TX, projected at $25.29 for 2026, welders earn slightly less than the national average of $26.87 per hour. This rate is indicative of job roles within various settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding sites, nuclear power plants, and shipyards. The hourly pay range spans from $17.16 for entry-level positions to $37.95 for the most experienced welders in the area. For those considering part-time roles, typically involving three days a week, the hourly rate can substantially affect annual earnings, especially when working as per-diem welders in high-demand environments. The figures used for these estimates are derived from annual salary data projected into hourly rates, providing a framework for understanding earning potential in this trade.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.16 | $137.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.97 | $167.80 |
| Median (P50) | $25.29 | $202.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.28 | $242.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.95 | $303.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $25.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.29/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $52,604 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,348. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,011.61 | $4,384 | $52,604 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.97 | $2,630 | $31,562 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.65 | $1,753 | $21,042 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Arlington) | $25.29 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $52,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.89% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.10% above the Texas state average of $50,534.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.29/hr = $31,562/year (purchasing power: $32,877).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,604/year (purchasing power: $54,796).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Arlington grew 26.5% from $19.23/hr (2019) to $24.32/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.30/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Evaluating the potential earnings for part-time welders who work 24 hours a week reveals an interesting picture. While full-time welders can benefit from higher annual income, part-time employees may find a balance in flexible schedules, though their overall annual income will be lower. Per-diem and agency welders often enjoy better financial incentives, earning between $40 and $70 per hour, plus daily stipends that range from $80 to $175. Specialized roles, such as those in refinery turnarounds or underwater welding, can bring in disproportionately higher rates, with underwater welders earning $1,000 to $3,000 a day. In Arlington, the employer type can dramatically impact pay—welders in structural steel fabrication or oil and gas pipeline work might earn more than those in manufacturing or construction. For welders in the area, considering benefits like health insurance is crucial, as some employers offer lower hourly rates in exchange for greater job security and benefits, while others might pay more but offer no additional perks. Negotiating effectively can lead to better rates—without the frills—making it essential for welding professionals to understand their market and leverage their certifications and experience in conversations.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Arlington 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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