In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area, Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $60,970. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $49,270, indicating a premium for these skilled roles in this specific region. The higher compensation is likely driven by the area's robust technological and manufacturing sectors, which demand specialized fabrication skills.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,470.
- Outlook: The local job market for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, shows a notable concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.51, suggesting a demand that is 51% higher than the national average. With a local workforce of 400 individuals in this role, the market appears stable, though the concentration indicates a specialized demand that may be influenced by the region's unique industrial landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+23.7%above the national average.
$29.3
$1,173
$5,081
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in San Jose is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. Increased demand for skilled trades, particularly in a high-cost-of-living area like San Jose, often leads to salary adjustments to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Career progression for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this scaling, with experienced professionals occupying the higher earning brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,950 | $19.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,728 | $22 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,470 | $25.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $76,213 | $36.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $125,470 | $60.3 |
Detailed Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,970 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, as the cost of goods and services is also at the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
0.356
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 1.5x the national concentration of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.51 signifies that Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are more concentrated in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a higher relative demand or a more specialized industry presence that relies on these skills, making the job market potentially more competitive for new entrants but offering good opportunities for those with the requisite expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary | $62,310↑ 2% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $60,970. This typically ranges from $40,950 for entry-level positions to $125,470 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 23.7% higher than the national median of $49,270.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $60,970 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($62,310) and others.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 400 suggests a moderately sized pool of professionals. While not a massive number, it indicates a consistent presence and potential for specialized roles within the region's industries.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.51 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.51 means that this occupation is 51% more concentrated in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or a specialized industry cluster.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the real value of the $60,970 salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will go as far as they would nationally.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in San Jose?
There are 0.356 jobs per 1,000 workers, which provides a specific metric for understanding the prevalence of this role within the broader San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.356 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA