Welder Hourly Pay in Oak Harbor, WA: $28.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Oak Harbor, WA runs $28.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Oak Harbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Harbor, Washington, the welder hourly rate stands at $28.27, surpassing the national average of $26.87. This higher wage reflects the region's demand for skilled workers and can significantly impact those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a welder working three days a week could anticipate a steady income while gaining experience in various settings such as fabrication shops and shipyards. The hourly pay ranges from $21.12 for entry-level positions to $37.57 for top earners, allowing for a broad spectrum of opportunities depending on skill level and experience. The hourly estimates are derived from annual salary projections, providing an accessible metric for both aspiring welders and those already in the field.
About the Oak Harbor 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) | $21.12 | $168.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.56 | $196.50 |
| Median (P50) | $28.27 | $226.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.87 | $254.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.57 | $300.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Harbor
Based on $28.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.27/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Harbor, WA can expect to earn approximately $58,812 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,930. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oak Harbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Harbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,131.00 | $4,901 | $58,812 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.60 | $2,941 | $35,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.40 | $1,960 | $23,525 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Oak Harbor) | $28.27 |
| 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 Oak Harbor, WA earn a median of $58,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.50% below the Washington state average of $62,243.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.27/hr = $35,287/year (purchasing power: $32,856).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,812/year (purchasing power: $54,760).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Oak Harbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Oak Harbor grew 26.5% from $21.49/hr (2019) to $27.19/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.40/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 Oak Harbor 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 Oak Harbor
When considering part-time roles, a welder working 24 hours weekly could earn around $37,795 annually, a compelling figure compared to full-timers. Moreover, per-diem welders can command significantly higher rates, especially those specializing in pipeline or refinery shutdowns, often earning between $50 to $80 per hour plus additional per-diem bonuses of $80-$175 for traveling. Owner-operators working as rig welders can enjoy billing between $90 to $160 per hour, with underwater divers hitting remarkable daily earnings of $1,000 to $3,000 during peak seasons. In Oak Harbor, the pay scales across different employer types—ranging from structural steel fabrication to aerospace and defense—indicate a diverse job market. While some may opt for lower hourly rates to secure benefits such as health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can assist welders in negotiating favorable hourly terms specific to their circumstances in this thriving region.
More salary data for Oak Harbor, 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 Oak Harbor. 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 Oak Harbor 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