Welder Hourly Pay in Essex Junction, VT: $26.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Essex Junction, VT runs $26.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,690 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Essex Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Essex Junction, Vermont, the welder hourly pay is projected to hit a median of $26.29 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $26.87. This competitive pay structure offers various opportunities for workers, including the option for part-time roles, which might entail working just three days a week. Welders in positions such as fabrication shop production lines or pipeline trench welding can expect to earn between $19.66 and $36.59 per hour, depending on their experience and specific job responsibilities. The range from entry-level positions to top earners is broad, with some specialized welders or those in high-demand sectors commanding hourly rates significantly above the median.
About the Essex Junction Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.66 | $157.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.89 | $191.09 |
| Median (P50) | $26.29 | $210.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.58 | $244.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.59 | $292.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Essex Junction
Based on $26.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.29/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Essex Junction, VT can expect to earn approximately $54,680 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,546. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Essex Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Essex Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,051.55 | $4,557 | $54,680 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $630.93 | $2,734 | $32,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $420.62 | $1,823 | $21,872 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Essex Junction) | $26.29 |
| 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 Essex Junction, VT earn a median of $54,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.16% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.50% below the Vermont state average of $57,873.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.29/hr = $32,808/year (purchasing power: $31,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,680/year (purchasing power: $52,831).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Essex Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Essex Junction grew 26.5% from $19.98/hr (2019) to $25.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.34/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 Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction
When considering the financial aspects of welding work, particularly for those opting for part-time arrangements, annual earnings reveal substantial differences compared to full-time roles. A welder working just 24 hours a week could expect to bring home around $32,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those willing to travel, per diem welder pay in Essex Junction can greatly enhance income, with potential rates ranging from $80 to $175 per day on top of a $40 to $70 hourly wage for pipe welders. Others might find opportunities in refinery turnaround work, where rates spike to between $50 and $80 per hour, especially during peak shutdown times. Considering the diverse settings—from structural steel fabrication shops to nuclear power plants—the variations in hourly pay are influenced not only by the job type but also by employer benefits. Some welders may choose positions that offer a lower hourly wage but include comprehensive health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation for hourly rates can be pivotal, so workers in Essex Junction should be prepared to discuss their qualifications, to advocate for better pay and to understand industry standards to secure the best possible terms.
More salary data for Essex Junction, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Essex Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Essex Junction?
Are welders in Essex Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Essex Junction?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Essex Junction?
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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 Essex Junction. 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 Essex Junction 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