Inglewood vs San Diego: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Inglewood, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Inglewood, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,535 | $65,056▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.18 | $31.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,361 | $48,563▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,475 | $52,411▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,381 | $79,688▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,905▲ | $85,761 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 2,940▲ |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Inglewood.
The salary gap between Inglewood and San Diego is $8,521 (15.07%). San Diego's median is +16.39% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Inglewood spans $46,544,San Diego spans $37,198. Inglewood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($58,144 effective) pays 16.32% more than Inglewood ($49,987 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Inglewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,905)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,056/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,144)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Inglewood grew -24.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Inglewood, CA
$71,551 (2024) → $54,366 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$51,520 (2019) → $62,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Inglewood, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Inglewood or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Inglewood and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Inglewood to San Diego as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Inglewood vs San Diego?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov