Home / Pay by state / Welder / California
51-4121 / WELDERS, CUTTERS, SOLDERERS, AND BRAZERS / CALIFORNIA
Welder salary in California
California vs. U.S. welder pay
| Measure | California, annual | California, hourly | U.S., annual | U.S., hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,520 | $21.40 | $39,240 | $18.87 |
| 25th percentile | $48,480 | $23.31 | $46,790 | $22.50 |
| Median | $58,060 | $27.91 | $53,750 | $25.84 |
| 75th percentile | $70,400 | $33.85 | $63,010 | $30.29 |
| 90th percentile | $81,940 | $39.40 | $77,530 | $37.28 |
| Mean (average) | $61,120 | $29.38 | $56,760 | $27.29 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4121 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers), cross-industry. Data as of May 2025. BLS OEWS tables | BLS state data file (May 2025) | BLS national data file (May 2025).
California welders, cutters, solderers and brazers earned a mean of $61,120 a year in May 2025, about $4,360 (8%) above the U.S. mean of $56,760. Half earned less than $58,060 and half earned more. By mean annual wage, California ranks 17th of 51 areas (states and D.C.) with published data for this occupation. BLS location quotient for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in California is 0.53, where 1.00 is the national average share of jobs.
These figures cover all welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the state, from newer workers to experienced ones. They are not entry-level offers or a pay promise, and they leave out employer-paid benefits. Pay varies by employer, metro area, union status and license level.
How people become welders
- Welders typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training.
- Welders must be licensed in some states and localities. Requirements vary; contact your state or local licensing agency.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (national information; page last modified August 28, 2025; figures there use a 2024 base). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent. Typical training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. Projected job growth 2024 to 2034: 2% (slower than average). BLS OOH: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. Find programs on Apprenticeship.gov. Confirm California licensing rules with the state board; this page does not state them.