Welder Hourly Pay in Morgantown, WV: $23.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Morgantown, WV runs $23.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Morgantown's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,732 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, welders in Morgantown, West Virginia, earn a median hourly rate of $23.82, which is 11.35% lower than the national hourly median of $26.87. This rate reflects the city's industrial landscape, where welders typically work in fabrication shops, refining plants, and other specialized settings. For a part-time welder working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, their income would hover around $2,822 monthly. Per-diem opportunities can significantly enhance earnings—welders employed in challenging roles, such as pipeline trench welding or shipyard manufacturing, can expect varying hourly rates between $18.00 and $37.16. The range illustrates how entry-level positions start at $18.00 per hour, while experienced welders command up to $37.16, underscoring the potential for career growth based on skills, certifications, and industry demand.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.00 | $144.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.29 | $154.32 |
| Median (P50) | $23.82 | $190.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.02 | $232.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.16 | $297.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Morgantown
Based on $23.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.82/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Morgantown, WV can expect to earn approximately $49,554 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,589. With a cost-of-living index of 93.32 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Morgantown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Morgantown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.96 | $4,130 | $49,554 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.78 | $2,478 | $29,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.19 | $1,652 | $19,822 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Morgantown) | $23.82 |
| 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 Morgantown, WV earn a median of $49,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.35% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.70% below the West Virginia state average of $50,926.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.82/hr = $29,732/year (purchasing power: $31,860).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,554/year (purchasing power: $53,100).
CoL index: 93.323 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Morgantown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Morgantown grew 24.0% from $18.48/hr (2019) to $22.91/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.77/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 Morgantown 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 Morgantown
Part-time welders, working an average of 24 hours weekly, can expect an annual take-home of approximately $33,864, which offers a fraction of the income potential seen in full-time positions. Many welders augment their earnings through per diem options: traveling positions can yield base rates of $40-$70 per hour plus daily allowances ranging from $80 to $175. During refinery turnaround projects, welders can command hourly rates between $50 and $80, with overtime and weekend work often paid at double time. Moreover, self-employed rig welders have the potential to charge anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour, depending on the job specifics. In terms of employer relations, the welders’ pay structure can fluctuate significantly between union and non-union positions, with the former often providing benefits that could offset the allure of higher hourly wages without health care. Negotiating effectively may hinge on understanding these dynamics—welders should assess their career goals and consider both hourly pay and benefits when considering job offers in Morgantown.
More salary data for Morgantown, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Morgantown in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Morgantown?
Are welders in Morgantown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Morgantown?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Morgantown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in West Virginia
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 Morgantown. 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