Welder Salary in Hammond, IN: $50,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Hammond, IN earns a median $50,161/year (≈ $24.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Hammond's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $54,941 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for welders in Hammond, Indiana, reaches $50,161, reflecting a slight dip of over 10% compared to the national median of $55,895. The pay range for welders locally spans from $37,354 at the low end (P10) to $73,641 at the high end (P90), indicating a diverse salary landscape influenced by welding specialty and experience. This localized data is based on 2025 BLS estimates, accounting for regional cost of living adjustments. The Hammond welding market is predominantly driven by pipe welding and structural steel work, with pipe welders often garnering higher wages due to the competence required and travel opportunities within the industry.
About the Hammond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,354 | $17.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,880 | $21.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,161 | $24.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,912 | $28.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,641 | $35.41 |
Median Salary Position
10.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hammond
In Hammond, IN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,287 (2026 est.). At $50,161, the local median is 10.26% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hammond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hammond Welder Pay Compares
Hammond median: $50,161/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hammond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $51,553 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -10.26% less |
Welders in Hammond, IN earn a median of $50,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.26% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $51,553.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hammond has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hammond, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,161 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,941 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,131
2025 BLS Actual
$48,236
2026 Current Est.
$50,161
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,131 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,657 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,919 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,236 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,162 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hammond metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,131 (2019) to $48,236 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,162 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,031 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hammond 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) | $37,354 – $43,880 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,880 – $50,161 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,161 – $59,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,912 – $73,641 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Hammond
Hammond’s welding job market employs around 20 welders, pointing toward a close-knit community where local demand for skills remains steady. With a cost of living index at 91.3—below the national average—welders may find their take-home purchasing power slightly enhanced despite lower wages. Those seeking the highest income should consider roles in specialized fields such as oil and gas pipeline welding or petrochemical refinery maintenance, where experience and certifications like the 6G pipe credential can command significantly higher rates. Additionally, traveling welders may see differences in pay attributable to per-diem options. Understanding the dynamics of certification levels, the types of projects, and travel requirements can better inform those aiming to maximize welder pay in Hammond, IN.
More salary data for Hammond, IN:
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 $48,236 for weldersin the Hammond 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 Hammond 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