Welding rates sky high? yes, no?

PineRidge · May 22, 2006

Got a phone call from a friend the other day asking if I could do a simple welding job for him. I knew that Gerald always used a local shop in the past and my curiosity got the better of me so I asked what was up?

Turns out that the local welding shop that has been in this area forever is now quoting 2 bucks a minute for services rendered. While the 2 bucks doesn't sound like much at first if you do the math that's $120.00 an hour to lay a bead! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Guess I might understand that if they had to come to you with the extra expense of fuel and all but welding is a carry in issue for these folks, period.

Checked my watch and the job took me all of 25 minutes from setup to the finish for Gerald's item and as I handed him the part I winked and told him that the damages came to 50 bucks, but that I would settle for a cold beer (man I work cheap) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll put it to you, does $120. an hour seem steep to you guys? What's the going rate in your area for carry-in welding?

PineRidge · May 22, 2006

Got a phone call from a friend the other day asking if I could do a simple welding job for him. I knew that Gerald always used a local shop in the past and my curiosity got the better of me so I asked what was up?

Turns out that the local welding shop that has been in this area forever is now quoting 2 bucks a minute for services rendered. While the 2 bucks doesn't sound like much at first if you do the math that's $120.00 an hour to lay a bead! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Guess I might understand that if they had to come to you with the extra expense of fuel and all but welding is a carry in issue for these folks, period.

Checked my watch and the job took me all of 25 minutes from setup to the finish for Gerald's item and as I handed him the part I winked and told him that the damages came to 50 bucks, but that I would settle for a cold beer (man I work cheap) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll put it to you, does $120. an hour seem steep to you guys? What's the going rate in your area for carry-in welding?

RonR · May 22, 2006

Darn,

I'll have to print your post and hang it in the garage next time a buddy comes over for a weld!

It's a lot, but it doesn't surprise me. A pro shop has high expenses, and you can't get a pro welder for minimum wage............

And my welds are only guaranteed until they BREAK!

So does the clock stop while you down a cold one????????????/

ron

RonR · May 22, 2006

Darn,

I'll have to print your post and hang it in the garage next time a buddy comes over for a weld!

It's a lot, but it doesn't surprise me. A pro shop has high expenses, and you can't get a pro welder for minimum wage............

And my welds are only guaranteed until they BREAK!

So does the clock stop while you down a cold one????????????/

ron

JerryG · May 22, 2006

Mike,
$120 per hour for regular arc welding is extremely high IMO. If I was charged that much, I would go somewhere else or buy a larger welder.

JerryG · May 22, 2006

Mike,
$120 per hour for regular arc welding is extremely high IMO. If I was charged that much, I would go somewhere else or buy a larger welder.

hazmat · May 22, 2006

Maybe it's because I live in NE where everything is expensive, but I didn't even blink at $120 an hour. Of course the real estate, utilitiy etc, all equate to a higher overhead here even if they aren't paying the welder any more $$ (which they probably are).

hazmat · May 22, 2006

Maybe it's because I live in NE where everything is expensive, but I didn't even blink at $120 an hour. Of course the real estate, utilitiy etc, all equate to a higher overhead here even if they aren't paying the welder any more $$ (which they probably are).

MadReferee · May 22, 2006

Well, let's see. Here in NH the going rate for services rendered varies by trade. Here are some recent hourly rates I was quoted:

Carpenters $60-$70 /hr
Electricians $50-$60 /hr
Auto mechanics $65-$80 /hr
Roll back tow truck $85-$110 /hr (1 hr minimum)

I would guess that welders would be in the $60-$80 range depending on the type of welding being done. It seems obvious that the welding shop you mentioned is trying to discourage walk-ins. I'll bet they actually get their $120 /hr on contracted and bid jobs.

MadReferee · May 22, 2006

Well, let's see. Here in NH the going rate for services rendered varies by trade. Here are some recent hourly rates I was quoted:

Carpenters $60-$70 /hr
Electricians $50-$60 /hr
Auto mechanics $65-$80 /hr
Roll back tow truck $85-$110 /hr (1 hr minimum)

I would guess that welders would be in the $60-$80 range depending on the type of welding being done. It seems obvious that the welding shop you mentioned is trying to discourage walk-ins. I'll bet they actually get their $120 /hr on contracted and bid jobs.