Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in California
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,980, significantly higher than the national average of $54,940. This elevated pay is largely influenced by California's robust industrial sectors and the state's generally higher wage standards across many professions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,690.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 26,100 individuals, the demand for skilled welders in California is evident. The location quotient of 0.53 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially stable or growing job market with opportunities for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in California earns+12.8%above the national average.
$29.8
$1,192
$5,165
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for specialized trade skills within the state's dynamic economy.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in California
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior welders with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career ladder and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,200 | $21.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,485 | $22.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,940 | $27.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,475 | $37.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $84,690 | $40.7 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,751
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $61,980 in California must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while the nominal income is higher, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for those relocating.
Job Market Context
26,100
Total Jobs
1.445
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
California has 0.53x the national average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.53 indicates that Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers are employed in California at a rate that is about half of the national average concentration. This suggests that while the state has a significant number of these professionals, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $51,590↓ 17% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $51,560↓ 17% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,200↓ 14% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $61,470↓ 1% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $66,480↑ 7% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in California is $61,980. This typically ranges from $44,200 for entry-level positions to $84,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 12.8% higher than the national median of $54,940.
Is California a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for these roles compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living requires careful consideration of overall financial well-being.
Is California a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($51,590) and Visalia, CA.
What is the average salary for a Welder in California?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in California is $61,980.
How does California's welder salary compare to the national average?
California's average salary of $61,980 is higher than the national average of $54,940.
What is the Cost of Living Index in California?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5, which is considerably higher than the national average of 100.
How concentrated is the welder job market in California?
The location quotient for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in California is 0.53, indicating a lower concentration than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 26,100 employees in the California area with a job density of 1.445 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California