Welder Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $29.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Des Moines, WA runs $29.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,673 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,000 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, the current welder hourly pay stands at $29.65, showcasing a significant rise compared to the national hourly median of $26.87. This competitive rate not only reflects the specialized skills welders bring to their trade but also indicates the robust demand in various settings, including shipyards, manufacturing production cells, and pipeline construction. For part-time welders, working three days a week could translate to approximately $22,000 annually, based on a typical 24-hour work schedule. Entry-level welders in Des Moines can expect a starting hourly pay around $22.13, while seasoned professionals, particularly those on challenging jobs like underwater welding or rig work, can earn as much as $41.66 per hour. These figures are derived from projected annual salaries, highlighting the growth opportunities in the region.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.13 | $177.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.94 | $207.48 |
| Median (P50) | $29.65 | $237.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.47 | $275.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.66 | $333.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $29.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.65/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,577. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,185.90 | $5,139 | $61,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.54 | $3,083 | $37,000 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.36 | $2,056 | $24,667 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Des Moines) | $29.65 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $61,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.34% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $62,233.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.65/hr = $37,000/year (purchasing power: $34,451).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,667/year (purchasing power: $57,418).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Des Moines grew 26.5% from $22.54/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.83/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Part-time workers often face a choice between stability and potential high per diem earnings. On average, a 3-day-a-week welder could yield an income of around $22,000 annually compared to full-time earnings significantly higher due to more hours worked. For welders engaged in per diem contracts, daily rates ranging from $80 to $175 may supplement their hourly wages, especially for traveling roles on cross-country pipeline projects. Some specialized positions, including refinery turnaround welders during maintenance periods, can command rates of $50 to $80 per hour, plus overtime for weekends. Welders in Des Moines, whether working in structural steel fabrication or nuclear power maintenance, should consider factors like health benefits and equipment costs when negotiating their pay. The local market can vary significantly based on the type of work, so understanding the nuances of employer types and overall job demand will empower welders to maximize their earnings potential effectively.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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