Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $74,750. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $54,940, reflecting the region's high demand for skilled trades and the specialized nature of these roles within a robust industrial and technological landscape. The economic drivers of the Bay Area contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $74,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,370.
- Outlook: The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 1,160 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 0.37, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs is substantial, the industry may not be as densely populated as in other regions. However, 1.025 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady presence and ongoing need for these skilled professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+36.1%above the national average.
$35.9
$1,438
$6,229
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in San Jose is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national trends in skilled trades. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure and manufacturing projects, and a growing shortage of experienced tradespeople typically drive upward pressure on wages in this sector. This suggests that the $74,750 average is likely a snapshot of a continuously appreciating compensation landscape.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The career trajectory for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves significant salary progression based on experience and specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while highly skilled or certified professionals with years of experience in complex welding techniques can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the substantial career progression and earning potential available as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,050 | $24.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $56,063 | $27 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $67,560 | $32.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $93,438 | $44.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $115,370 | $55.5 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$74,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $74,750 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the gross income is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is on par with the rest of the country. Therefore, the increased salary effectively covers the standard cost of living expenses in this high-demand metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
1.025
Per 1K Jobs
0.37
Location Quotient
At 0.37x, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a notably lower concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.37 indicates that Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers are less concentrated in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market, while having a solid base of 1,160 workers, might be less saturated with professionals in this field relative to other industries or regions. This could translate to a more competitive environment for job seekers, but also potentially greater opportunities for those with specialized skills to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $71,170↓ 5% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $71,390↓ 4% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $62,370↓ 17% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $59,250↓ 21% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $56,840↓ 24% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $74,750. This typically ranges from $50,050 for entry-level positions to $115,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 36.1% higher than the national median of $54,940.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.The average annual salary of $74,750 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong purchasing power for local wages.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($71,170) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Welders?
The concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is below the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.37. This suggests fewer professionals per capita compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the San Jose area?
The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area employs approximately 1,160 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
Does the high salary in San Jose reflect a high cost of living?
No, the Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is exactly 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salaries are not solely driven by inflated living expenses but by local market demand and economic factors.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' mean for this role in San Jose?
The figure of 1.025 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates that for every thousand individuals employed in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area, just over one position is held by a Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazers, showing a consistent but not overwhelmingly high presence of the occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 1.025 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Software Developers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA