Welding cost

[Taylortractornut]

Back about 10 years ago the rate for welding was 25 an hour in shop stick or mig. Mobile service was 35 to 40. Now its about 45 to 50 in the shop. I think the bucket if it was tacked in place already square and stick welded 10 years ago here would be about 75 to 100 at the most. I have a run a farm welding service sine I was 14 WHen I started out I was getting 18 an hour but that was small afternoon projects to support my habit. At the time I was the only one around with a welder in this community.


I have seen shops that charged more if the person had a newer car or boat or other thing that might be associated with a higher rate. For years here boat mechanics have charged 90 dollars an hour. I had a fried that got into welding and he fixed a cracked boat trailer frame. No boat on it or any thing just a mild steel traier and he charged a 2 hour minimum at 90 per hour to fix it as it was Boat related. TO me that was wrong he ground out the weld and burned 1 rod and charged 180 bucks.

I ve heard him broag on his minimum but I dont/ cant charge that for shop work. Im usuaually there and the tools are ready. I did have a minimum on a few things but to do a 3 inch weld or cut something off I generally get 5 to 10 bucks. Usually if its a friend we all help each other out and stay in a trade most of the time.

 

[brain55]

I'm always amazed by what other parts of the country charge for labor. Around here I'm cheap at $90/hr., most shops get $100-110/hr., Caterpillar is getting $135/hr. for shop labor. Even 10 years ago I was getting $75/hr.

 

[k0ua]

I'm always amazed by what other parts of the country charge for labor. Around here I'm cheap at $90/hr., most shops get $100-110/hr., Caterpillar is getting $135/hr. for shop labor. Even 10 years ago I was getting $75/hr.

But look at what a house cost in California, vs back here in Mo. At least a 4 to 1 difference, sometimes more.

James K0UA

 

[brain55]

But look at what a house cost in California, vs back here in Mo. At least a 4 to 1 difference, sometimes more.

James K0UA

True, my $2500/mo. mortgage payment for 1700 sq. ft. on an 8000 sq. ft. lot and $4.459/gal diesel are only a couple examples.

 

[k0ua]

True, my $2500/mo. mortgage payment for 1700 sq. ft. on an 8000 sq. ft. lot and $4.459/gal diesel are only a couple examples.

yeah see $1100 for 4000 sq foot on about 7 acre. The fuel is not that far off though..about $3.80 to about $4.15 for diesel. I am sure other commodities are a little higher out there, but you guys pay through the nose for housing.. but wages are lower here too.

James K0UA

 

[weldermike]

I usually go by when doing side work, what is this piece worth new, and what would make it reasonable for someone to pay me to fix vs. just buy new. Then I go above and beyond with finish work to dress it up, and got a customer for life. Just have to watch that customer/friend relationship.

 

[Taylortractornut]

I Think one of our shops that does work for us is at 85 or 90 an hour but he has alot of overhead being a mechanic and welding shop. Most welding shops are at 45 to 55 hour here. But then again the average house payment is 350 per month. My friend that has a large shop and doe dump trailer and other heavy repair his shop power bill is only 75 to 100 dollars per month. But 2 hours away in Mempis the same service is 85 to 90 per hour.

My basic rate is 35 per hour welding and 45 per our on the burn table. I do tend to charge a bit more picking up materials. I add about an hour on the bill if I have to go pick up metal.

 

[Ken45101]

I think the local weld shop rate here is $60/hr.

 

[J_J]

Thanks guys for posting the correct answer to the question, can you believe all the BS about this.

All I wanted was the welding rates across the country.

 

[5030]

JJ...

Did you really expect anything less.... On this site......:laughing: