Why are field welds slower than shop welds?
Position, access, weather, fit-up and inspection. The same joint that runs flat on a shop table may be overhead on a lift behind a wind screen.
Construction estimating tool
Welding hours calculator
Welding hours per linear foot by weld type, separated into shop and field — because the same weld costs considerably more out of position and off the ground.
Curated reference table · 8 weld types, not an observed aggregate
Estimated hours
28
Every published rate
| Scope | p10 | Median | p90 | Obs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hr / ft | — | 0.28 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.7 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.086 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.22 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.055 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.14 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.16 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.4 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.12 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.3 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.42 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 1.05 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.18 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.45 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.28 | — | — |
| hr / ft | — | 0.7 | — | — |
Computed over 8 observed records. These are observed rates from real priced estimates — not an industry average and not a benchmark. They are a starting point for your own estimate, never a substitute for one, and they carry no money: labour rates, markup and margin are yours.
Questions
Does this include prep and inspection?
No. Edge prep, fit-up, tacking, NDT and rework are separate, and on CJP work they can exceed the welding itself.
How solid is this data?
Less solid than the other rate tools here, and it says so. This is a curated reference table of eight weld types rather than an aggregate computed over thousands of observed lines, so treat it as a planning starting point and calibrate against your own welders before you lean on it.
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