How much do welders actually make?

California is home to one of the largest and most diverse welding industries in the United States. From construction to manufacturing, welders play a crucial role in building and maintaining the infrastructure of the state. If you’re considering a career as a welder in California, it’s important to understand how much you can expect to make based on your experience, industry, and location.

According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 29,000 welders employed in California as of May 2020. These workers earned a median hourly wage of $23. 45, which is slightly higher than the national median wage for welders. However, wages can vary widely depending on several factors.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much welders make in California based on different factors such as experience level and job type. We’ll also explore some of the benefits and perks that come with working as a welder in California, as well as education and training requirements for those interested in pursuing this career path.

Factors Affecting Welder Salaries in California

Welder salaries in California are influenced by several factors, including experience and skill level, industry and type of welding job, and location within the state.

Experience and Skill Level

As with most professions, experience and skill level play a significant role in determining welder salaries. Entry-level welders typically earn less than those with years of experience and advanced skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for welders in California is $22. 81, but experienced welders can earn up to $40 per hour or more.

Industry and Type of Welding Job

The industry and type of welding job also affect salaries. Welders who work in manufacturing tend to earn higher wages than those who work in construction or repair services. Structural welders, who specialize in welding large structures such as buildings or bridges, may earn more than pipe welders or those who work on smaller projects.

Welder Salary Range by Industry

Industry Average Hourly Wage
Manufacturing $24. 87
Construction $21. 03
Repair Services $20. 48

Differences in Pay by Type of Welding Job

  • Structural Welding: Median hourly wage of $26. 55 according to BLS
  • Pipe Welding: Median hourly wage of $22. 81 according to BLS
  • Other Types of Welding Jobs: Median hourly wage of $21. 60 according to BLS

Location within California

The location within California also affects welder salaries. Welders who work in urban areas such as Los Angeles or San Francisco tend to earn more than those who work in rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in urban areas and the higher demand for skilled welders.

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Top Paying Cities for Welders in California (BLS Data)

City Average Hourly Wage
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $32. 17
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $30. 85
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA $28. 68

Please note: 1. Welding is a highly skilled trade that involves joining metal parts together using heat and pressure.

Average Welder Salaries in California

Welding is a skilled trade that requires specialized training and expertise. In California, welders earn a median hourly wage of $22. 54, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that half of all welders in California earn more than this amount, while the other half earns less.

Compared to the national average wage for welders, which is $20. 43 per hour, California welders earn a higher salary on average. This can be attributed to the high demand for welding services in the state, as well as the cost of living being higher in many areas.

When it comes to top paying cities for welders in California, San Francisco and San Jose are at the top of the list with median hourly wages of $32. 68 and $31. 18 respectively. Other cities with high wages for welders include Vallejo-Fairfield ($28. 83), Santa Rosa ($27. 90), and Napa ($26. 92).

It’s important to note that these wages can vary depending on factors such as experience level, industry type, and location within California. For example, welders working in construction may earn different salaries than those working in manufacturing or other industries.

If you’re considering pursuing a career as a welder in California, it’s important to research job opportunities and salary expectations beforehand. By understanding what factors affect your earning potential and where the highest paying jobs are located, you can make informed decisions about your career path.

Please note: 2. California is home to some of the highest-paying welding jobs in the country, thanks to its thriving manufacturing and construction industries.

Welder Salary Range by Industry and Job Type

When it comes to welding jobs in California, there are a variety of industries that employ welders. The average salary for welders can vary depending on the industry they work in. For example, welders working in construction typically earn an average hourly wage of $22. 50, while those working in manufacturing earn an average of $20. 70 per hour. Other industries that employ welders include transportation equipment manufacturing, fabricated metal product manufacturing, and wholesale trade.

In addition to industry, the type of welding job can also impact a welder’s salary. Structural welding jobs typically involve welding large pieces of metal together to create buildings or bridges. These types of jobs tend to pay more than other types of welding jobs due to the high level of skill required and the potential risks involved. Pipe welding is another type of welding job that requires a high level of skill and expertise.

Pipe welders must be able to work with pipes made from a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, and copper. Due to the specialized nature of this type of welding job, pipe welders tend to earn higher salaries than other types of welders. Overall, it’s important for anyone considering a career as a welder in California to research the different industries and types of welding jobs available in order to determine which path may be best suited for their skills and interests.

By understanding the range of salaries available for different types of welding jobs within various industries, individuals can make informed decisions about their career paths and earning potential as a welder in California.

Please note: 3. Welders in California can specialize in a variety of areas, including structural welding, pipe welding, and underwater welding.

Benefits and Perks for Welders in California

Welding is a physically demanding job that requires skill, expertise, and focus. However, it also comes with several benefits and perks that make it an attractive career option for many people. Here are some of the benefits and perks that welders in California can expect:

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Health insurance options

Many welding companies in California offer comprehensive health insurance plans to their employees. These plans typically cover medical, dental, and vision expenses, as well as prescription drug costs. Some companies may even offer wellness programs or gym memberships to help their employees stay healthy.

Retirement plans

Welders in California may also have access to retirement plans such as 401(k) or pension plans. These plans allow workers to save money for retirement while also receiving contributions from their employer. Some employers may even offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary.

In addition to health insurance and retirement benefits, many welding companies in California offer paid time off (PTO) and vacation days to their employees. PTO can be used for sick days or personal days off, while vacation days are typically used for planned time off such as holidays or vacations.

Overtime pay opportunities

Welders in California who work more than 40 hours per week are entitled to overtime pay under state law. Overtime pay is typically calculated at one-and-a-half times the employee’s regular hourly rate. This means that welders who work overtime can earn significantly more money than those who only work standard hours.

Health Insurance Options Retirement Plans Paid Time Off and Vacation Days Overtime Pay Opportunities
Availability Commonly offered by welding companies in California Commonly offered by welding companies in California Commonly offered by welding companies in California Mandated by state law for overtime hours worked
Coverage/Contribution Amounts Varies depending on the employer and plan selected, but typically covers medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug costs. Varies depending on the employer and plan selected. Some employers may offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary. Varies depending on the employer and length of service. Typically ranges from one to four weeks per year. Overtime pay is calculated at one-and-a-half times the employee’s regular hourly rate.
Eligibility Requirements May require a waiting period before coverage begins or minimum number of hours worked per week/month. May require a waiting period before eligibility begins or minimum age/service requirements. May require a waiting period before eligibility begins or minimum length of service requirements. N/A – all employees who work more than 40 hours per week are eligible for overtime pay under state law.

Please note: 4. Many welders in California work on large-scale projects such as bridges, skyscrapers, and oil rigs.

Projected Growth Rate for Welding Jobs in California

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the projected growth rate for welding jobs in California from 2019 to 2029 is 3%. This is slightly lower than the national average growth rate of 3. 8% for welding jobs during the same time period.

Despite this slower growth rate, there are still many factors contributing to job growth and decline within the welding industry in California.

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Factors Contributing to Job Growth

  • Infrastructure Projects: With California’s growing population and economy, there is a continued need for infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and buildings. These projects require skilled welders to complete them.
  • New Technologies: As new technologies emerge, there may be an increased demand for welders with specialized skills in areas such as robotics or automation.
  • Rising Wages: As wages continue to rise for welders in California, more individuals may be attracted to the profession, leading to increased job opportunities.

Factors Contributing to Job Decline

  • Outsourcing: Some companies may choose to outsource welding jobs overseas where labor is cheaper, leading to fewer job opportunities for welders in California.
  • Automation: As technology continues to advance, some welding jobs may become automated or performed by robots instead of human workers.
  • Economic Downturns: During times of economic recession, there may be a decrease in demand for welding jobs as construction and manufacturing projects slow down.
Factors Contributing to Job Growth Factors Contributing to Job Decline
Infrastructure Projects Outsourcing
New Technologies Automation
Rising Wages Economic Downturns

It is important for individuals considering a career in welding to understand these factors and how they may impact job opportunities in California. By staying informed about industry trends and developments, welders can position themselves for success in this field.

Please note: 5. In addition to their base salary, welders in California may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Certification Requirements for Welders

Before pursuing a career as a welder in California, it is important to understand the certification requirements. The state of California requires that all welders be certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) or an equivalent organization. This certification ensures that welders have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job safely and effectively.

American Welding Society Certification

The AWS offers several different types of certifications for welders, including:

  • Certified Welder (CW)
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • Certified Welding Educator (CWE)

The Certified Welder certification is the most basic level of certification and requires passing a written exam and a hands-on welding test. The Certified Welding Inspector certification requires more extensive training and experience, as well as passing a written exam. The Certified Welding Educator certification is for those who wish to teach welding courses.

Equivalent Organization Certification

In addition to the AWS, there are other organizations that offer equivalent certifications for welders. These include:

  • National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • American Petroleum Institute (API)

It is important to research these organizations and their certifications to determine which one best fits your career goals.

Types of Training Programs Available

There are several different types of training programs available for aspiring welders in California. These include:

Type of Program Description
Trade Schools Trade schools offer welding programs that typically last between 6 months and 2 years. These programs provide hands-on training in welding techniques and safety procedures.
Community Colleges Community colleges offer welding programs that can lead to a certificate or associate’s degree. These programs typically take between 1 and 2 years to complete.
Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are on-the-job training programs that allow aspiring welders to learn from experienced professionals. These programs typically last between 3 and 4 years.

It is important to research each type of program and determine which one best fits your career goals and learning style.