Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| California | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $58,060 | $53,934 | +8% |
| Median hourly wage | $27.91 | $25.93 | +8% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $52,448.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Welder in California is $58,060, or about $27.91 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Welders is $53,934. California is +8% above the national median.
Entry-level welders in California typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 26,060 welder jobs on record and a median salary of $58,060, California offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.