Welder Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, TX: $22.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Fredericksburg, TX runs $22.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, Texas, the welder hourly pay is projected to reach $22.87 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $26.87, indicating a regional pay disparity. For part-time welders working three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $1,098.72 in gross weekly income, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible employment. Welders operating in various environments, such as fabrication shops, pipeline projects, and manufacturing production cells, will find hourly wages that can range from $18.17 at entry-level positions to $31.64 for top earners. These estimates are reflective of annual averages, providing insights into the potential earnings welders can expect in Fredericksburg, TX.
About the Fredericksburg 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) | $18.17 | $145.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.65 | $165.22 |
| Median (P50) | $22.87 | $182.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.49 | $211.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.64 | $253.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $22.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.87/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, TX can expect to earn approximately $47,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,441. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.70 | $3,964 | $47,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.82 | $2,378 | $28,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.88 | $1,585 | $19,026 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Fredericksburg) | $22.87 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, TX earn a median of $47,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.91% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.90% below the Texas state average of $50,543.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.87/hr = $28,539/year (purchasing power: $29,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,564/year (purchasing power: $49,546).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Fredericksburg grew 26.5% from $17.38/hr (2019) to $21.99/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.78/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
Looking closer at the financial landscape for welders, part-time professionals working a 24-hour week can take home about $57,134 per year when considering the projected hourly rate. However, many welders may pursue per-diem opportunities that can significantly enhance their earnings. Traveling pipe welders often earn a base pay of $40-$70 per hour, supplemented by daily per-diem rates ranging between $80 and $175. In turnaround situations at refineries, wages may escalate to $50-$80 an hour, occasionally doubling on weekends. This flexibility can substantially affect overall income for welders, especially owner-operators charging $90-$160 per hour. Different sectors, such as structural steel fabrication or nuclear plant maintenance, may also offer varying pay rates. Ultimately, welders in Fredericksburg must weigh the benefits of stable employment with lower wages against the higher hourly pay that comes with no benefits, leading to critical decisions in their career paths. Negotiation remains a key skill, as welders should advocate for rates that reflect current market demand amid an evolving industry landscape marked by an aging workforce and increasing skill shortages.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Fredericksburg?
Are welders in Fredericksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Fredericksburg?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Fredericksburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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