📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Welders Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$70,276
per year
Median
$66,399
per year
Hourly
$33.79
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$51,306
25th Percentile — Junior$62,047
50th Percentile — Median$66,399
75th Percentile — Senior$86,214
90th Percentile — Top Earners$94,139
💡 Top-earning Welderss in California make up to $94,139 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$61.2k
2021
$62.9k
2022
$64.7k
2023
$66.5k
2024
$68.4k
2025
$70.3k
2026
📈 Welders salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.8% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Welders Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $108,928 +55.0% High
San Diego $104,008 +48.0% High
San Jose $120,875 +72.0% High
San Francisco $130,011 +85.0% High
Fresno $75,898 +8.0% High
Sacramento $85,737 +22.0% High
Long Beach $101,900 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $75,898 +8.0% High
Anaheim $99,792 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $98,386 +40.0% High
Riverside $89,953 +28.0% High
Stockton $82,926 +18.0% High
Irvine $108,928 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $82,926 +18.0% High
Modesto $78,709 +12.0% High
Fontana $85,737 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $80,817 +15.0% High
Glendale $104,008 +48.0% High
Fremont $112,442 +60.0% High
🔍
Welders Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Welderss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $70,276 per year, California's Welders salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $51,306–$62,047, while experienced Welderss can command $86,214–$94,139.

Looking ahead, the Welders profession in California is projected to grow at 2.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Welders salary in California is $70,276 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $49,490.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Welderss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Welders employment.
  • At $70,276/year, California Welders salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $49,490/year.