verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Welder Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$58,060/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$27.91/hr
▲ 8% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
26,060
public U.S. Median
$53,750
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$52,439 #45 of 51

Welder pay in California, explained

Welders in California earn a median of $58,060 per year ($27.91 per hour), which is 8% above the national median of $53,750. Entry-level workers earn around $44,520, while the most experienced welders reach about $81,940. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $58,060 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $58,060 is worth about $52,439 in national buying power — ranking California #45 for real pay (vs #24 on the sticker number).

See the full Welder Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Welder pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$44,520
$21.40/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$58,060
$27.91/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$81,940
$39.39/hr

Welder pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $58,060 $52,439
Nevada $61,520 $61,533 −$3,460
Oregon $59,450 $57,517 −$1,390
Arizona $55,600 $55,226 +$2,460

Welder in California: FAQ

How much do welders make in California?

Welders in California earn a median of $58,060 per year ($27.91 per hour), compared with $53,750 nationally.

Does California pay welders well?

At $58,060, California pays 8% above the national median for welders. An estimated 26,060 work in the state.

Welder salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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