Welder Hourly Pay in Wichita Falls, TX: $24.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Wichita Falls, TX runs $24.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,965 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Wichita Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,576 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Wichita Falls, Texas, the projected welder hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.50, making it somewhat less competitive than the national median of $26.87. This rate can significantly impact those working in various settings, from fabrication shops to mobile rigs, where part-time welders operating three days a week may find consistent earnings. Entry-level welders might start at around $17.98 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $31.61, showcasing a diverse earnings potential. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and highlight the distinct earnings across different welding specialties, whether it’s fabrication, pipeline welding, or niche areas like nuclear and underwater welding.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.98 | $143.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.36 | $154.90 |
| Median (P50) | $24.50 | $196.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.81 | $238.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.61 | $252.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita Falls
Based on $24.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.50/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita Falls, TX can expect to earn approximately $50,960 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,400. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.00 | $4,247 | $50,960 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.00 | $2,548 | $30,576 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.00 | $1,699 | $20,384 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Wichita Falls) | $24.50 |
| 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 Wichita Falls, TX earn a median of $50,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.90% above the Texas state average of $50,511.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.50/hr = $30,576/year (purchasing power: $34,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,960/year (purchasing power: $56,930).
CoL index: 89.513 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Wichita Falls grew 16.5% from $20.23/hr (2019) to $23.56/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.48/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 Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
For welders in Wichita Falls looking to maximize their income, the part-time earning potential of a welder clocking in 24 hours over three days can generate a solid annual take-home compared to full-time employment. Traveling positions, particularly in pipeline welding, can further enhance earnings through per diem structures, often yielding $80-$175 daily alongside base hourly rates of $40-$70. During refinery turnarounds, welders might see pay rates soar to $50-$80 per hour, especially with double-time incentives during weekends. Various employment types can influence hourly rates, as welders in structural steel fabrication, petrochemical operations, or shipyards encounter different market demands. It’s essential for workers to consider the balance of pay versus benefits; some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security with union affiliations, while others choose independent contracting for higher per-hour rates without benefits. When negotiating, welders should leverage their skills, certifications, and the current demand in the local market to secure a favorable deal, catering to the niche requirements of employers in Wichita Falls.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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