Welder Salary in Waipahu, HI: $65,342 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Waipahu, HI earns a median $65,342/year (≈ $31.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $54,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Traveling pipe welders in Waipahu, HI, can anticipate an exciting financial landscape in 2026, with a median annual salary projected at $65,342. This figure significantly outpaces the national average salary of $55,895, representing an increase of 16.90%. Welders in the area will see a salary range from $47,829 at the 10th percentile to $94,409 at the 90th percentile, suggesting strong earning potential for those in specialized positions or with higher certifications. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost variations, underscore a flourishing job market for welders in Waipahu, where skills and experience can greatly enhance earning potential.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,829 | $22.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,261 | $27.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,342 | $31.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,684 | $35.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,409 | $45.39 |
Median Salary Position
16.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,580 (2026 est.). At $65,342, the local median is 16.9% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Welder Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $65,342/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $66,676 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +16.90% more |
Welders in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $65,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $66,676.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,342 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,771 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,672
2025 BLS Actual
$62,835
2026 Current Est.
$65,342
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,659 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,575 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,155 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,342 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,949 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $49,672 (2019) to $62,835 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,949 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,277 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $47,829 – $56,261 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,261 – $65,342 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,342 – $73,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,684 – $94,409 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Waipahu
The welder job market in Waipahu currently employs only nine workers, reflecting a niche opportunity for skilled professionals in this small but growing locality. With a cost-of-living index of 119.3, welders will need to consider their take-home pay carefully as it affects purchasing power. Employers that stand out for competitive pay include structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline organizations. Highly specialized skills such as 6G pipe certification or experience in nuclear welding can command increased wages, with traveling work often supplemented by per-diem allowances that enhance income by 30-50%. To maximize earnings in Waipahu, targeting high-demand sectors and leveraging certifications like ASME Section IX can be effective strategies for welders looking to increase their salaries in this unique economic environment.
More salary data for Waipahu, 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 $62,835 for weldersin the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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