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Entry Welder Salary in California

How much does an Entry Welder make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Welder in California is $49,584 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, an Entry Welder's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,136
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,522 to $54,584
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,823
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Entry Welder Salaries

An Entry Welder's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Entry Welder Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Welders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,773.
  • California: $49,584.
  • Massachusetts: $48,924.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Welders

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $49,670
  • West Hollywood: $49,634
  • Dodgertown: $49,669

Entry Welder Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Welder roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Entry Welder positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Welder as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Welder

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$64,460$31.030%
Aerospace & Defense$61,981$30.025%
Internet$61,981$30.025%
Energy & Utilities$59,501$29.020%
Chemicals$57,022$27.015%

Entry Welder Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Welder's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$45,522
Average $49,584/year
$54,584
$3,793
Average $4,132/month
$4,549
$875
Average $954/week
$1,050
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,584 $4,549 $1,050 $26
Average $49,584 $4,132 $954 $24
25th Percentile $45,522 $3,793 $875 $22

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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