Welder Salary in Honolulu, HI: $70,954 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Honolulu, HI earns a median $70,954/year (≈ $34.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $59,475 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Honolulu, Hawaii, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $70,954 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $55,895. The salary range for this occupation varies considerably, with lower-end positions earning around $48,325 and top earners reaching up to $104,000. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local conditions, reflect a robust market characterized by demand for specialized welding skills, especially in pipe welding, which often commands higher pay compared to structural or production welding. Honolulu's unique economic landscape, combined with its geographic location, influences both the availability and compensation for skilled welders.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,325 | $23.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,985 | $28.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,954 | $34.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,117 | $40.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,000 | $50.00 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,675 (2026 est.). At $70,954, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Welder Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $70,954/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $66,687 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +26.94% more |
Welders in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $70,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $66,687.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,954 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,475 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,938
2025 BLS Actual
$68,232
2026 Current Est.
$70,954
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,938 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,676 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,349 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,786 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $53,938 (2019) to $68,232 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,786 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,848 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,325 – $58,985 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,985 – $70,954 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,954 – $85,117 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,117 – $104,000 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Honolulu
A total of 68 welders are currently employed in the Honolulu area, illustrating a niche but stable job market. However, the higher cost of living index at 119.3 indicates that welders must consider their take-home pay carefully. Employers paying top salaries include those in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline projects, and shipyards, with additional opportunities in nuclear power plant maintenance and aerospace. The disparity in earnings stems from various factors, including certification level and specialization, with certifications such as 6G pipe and NQA-1 positioning welders for premium pay. To maximize earnings in the local market, welders should pursue specialized training, consider traveling positions that provide per-diem benefits, and explore opportunities in high-demand sectors to take full advantage of their skills in Honolulu's economic environment.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $68,232 for weldersin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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