Los Angeles vs Rancho Cucamonga: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Rancho Cucamonga, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,401▲ | $56,164 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.08▲ | $27.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,307▲ | $38,461 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,822 | $50,057▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,386▲ | $65,784 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,057▲ | $80,794 |
| Total Employed | 7,850▲ | 46 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rancho Cucamonga.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Rancho Cucamonga is $2,237 (3.98%). Los Angeles's median is +4.48% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $36,750,Rancho Cucamonga spans $42,333. Rancho Cucamonga has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($51,425 effective) pays 3.56% more than Rancho Cucamonga ($49,659 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,401/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,057)
- ✓Larger job market (7,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,425)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Rancho Cucamonga if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Los Angeles grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.0% growth in Rancho Cucamonga over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$40,530 (2019) → $56,160 (2025)
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
$71,081 (2024) → $54,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Los Angeles or Rancho Cucamonga?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Rancho Cucamonga?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Rancho Cucamonga as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Los Angeles vs Rancho Cucamonga?
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