Welder Hourly Pay in Plano, TX: $25.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Plano, TX runs $25.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,773 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Plano's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,666 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plano, TX, the welder hourly pay is estimated at $25.37, which positions it slightly below the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate can significantly impact workers in various settings; for instance, welders at fabrication shops or in pipeline trenching often have opportunities for additional per-diem income. Part-time welders working three days a week might expect to earn around $1,220 biweekly, while seasoned professionals can command higher wages closer to the top of the range, which stretches from $17.28 for entry-level positions to $37.15 for the most experienced workers. As the welding workforce ages, companies are looking to fill gaps, making the field somewhat competitive in terms of pay dynamics.
About the Plano 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) | $17.28 | $138.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.12 | $168.96 |
| Median (P50) | $25.37 | $202.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.90 | $239.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.15 | $297.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plano
Based on $25.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.37/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plano, TX can expect to earn approximately $52,777 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,448. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plano.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plano
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.94 | $4,398 | $52,777 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.97 | $2,639 | $31,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.98 | $1,759 | $21,111 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Plano) | $25.37 |
| 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 Plano, TX earn a median of $52,773 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.59% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $50,500.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.37/hr = $31,666/year (purchasing power: $32,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,777/year (purchasing power: $54,976).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Plano grew 26.5% from $19.29/hr (2019) to $24.40/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.39/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 Plano 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 Plano
Analyzing the financial landscape for welders in 2026 reveals a nuanced earning potential for those in Plano. A part-time welder, working 24 hours a week, could take home about $31,905 annually, significantly less than a full-time worker who earns roughly $52,773 per year. Per-diem welders can maximize their earnings, with rates for traveling positions ranging from $80 to $175 a day, in addition to their base pay of $40 to $70 per hour. Specialized roles, such as refinery turnaround welders, can reach $50-$80 per hour, especially during peak times, while rig owner-operators may charge $90-$160 per hour, reflecting a greater responsibility in their operations. The trade-off between hourly rates and benefits often comes into play; some welders might prefer a slightly lower hourly rate for jobs that offer health benefits. Negotiating for pay in Plano often involves understanding these dynamics and being aware of the premium certain specialties command, particularly for those with certifications like NQA-1 or 6G pipe qualifications.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
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 Plano. 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 Plano 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