Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Merced, CA
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $51,850. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, indicating localized market dynamics that influence compensation. Factors such as regional industry demand and the specific economic landscape of Merced contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,110.
- Outlook: The job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Merced, CA, appears stable, with a local workforce of 260 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.19 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a steady, if not growing, demand for skilled labor in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Merced, CA earns-5.6%below the national average.
$24.9
$997
$4,321
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and increasing demand for infrastructure and manufacturing. This trend likely extends to Merced, CA, suggesting that the current average salary may represent an increase from previous years.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized welders can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,210 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,888 | $18.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,710 | $23.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,813 | $31.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,110 | $29.9 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,850 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, making it a neutral location in terms of cost-of-living adjusted earnings.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
3.283
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Merced, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.19, Merced, CA, shows a slightly higher concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present and potentially slightly outpaces the national average, offering good opportunities for those in the trade.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $59,250↑ 14% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,200↑ 3% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $56,840↑ 10% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $62,370↑ 20% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $74,750↑ 44% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Merced, CA is $51,850. This typically ranges from $38,210 for entry-level positions to $62,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 5.6% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Moderately lucrative. The average salary is close to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average.While the average salary of $51,850 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living in Merced, CA, is exactly at the national average. This balance means that the nominal salary offers comparable purchasing power to the national average.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($59,250) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Merced, CA, is $51,850, which is slightly lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the cost of living in Merced, CA for welders?
Merced, CA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for welders in Merced, CA?
The Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates a slightly higher concentration of welders in Merced compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these professionals.
How many welders are there in Merced, CA?
There are approximately 260 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in Merced, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 3.283 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 Merced, CA