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Fabrication Lead Salary in California

How much does a Fabrication Lead make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fabrication Lead in California is $155,342 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.

However, a Fabrication Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $186,434
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $141,416 to $171,617
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,736
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Fabrication Lead Salaries

A Fabrication Lead's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Fabrication Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Fabrication Lead's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $154,145
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $177,047
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $218,871
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $261,782
  • Expert (over 8 years): $313,144
Levels Salary
Fabricati... Level Fabrication Lead$154,145
Manufactu... Level Fabrication Lead$177,047
Manufactu... Level Fabrication Lead$218,871
VP of Man... Level Fabrication Lead$261,782
SVP of Ma... Level Fabrication Lead$313,144
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How Do Fabrication Lead 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 Fabrication Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $155,934.
  • California: $155,342.
  • Massachusetts: $153,272.

Top Paying Cities for Fabrication Leads

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: $155,610
  • West Hollywood: $155,497
  • Dodgertown: $155,608

Fabrication Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Fabrication Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Fabrication Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Fabrication Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Fabrication Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$194,178$93.025%
Energy & Utilities$186,411$90.020%
Telecom$178,643$86.015%
Aerospace & Defense$170,876$82.010%
Healthcare$170,876$82.010%

Fabrication Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Fabrication Lead'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
$141,416
Average $155,342/year
$171,617
$11,785
Average $12,945/month
$14,301
$2,720
Average $2,987/week
$3,300
$68
Average $75/hour
$83
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $171,617 $14,301 $3,300 $83
Average $155,342 $12,945 $2,987 $75
25th Percentile $141,416 $11,785 $2,720 $68

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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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