Riverside vs Santa Maria: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,127 | $54,907▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.02 | $26.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,724▲ | $42,355 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,738▲ | $49,042 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,278 | $69,663▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,459 | $83,286▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,810▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Santa Maria, CA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Maria is $780 (1.44%). Santa Maria's median is -1.77% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $33,735,Santa Maria spans $40,931. Santa Maria 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, Riverside ($50,851 effective) pays 0.76% more than Santa Maria ($50,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,851)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,907/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,286)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Riverside grew 33.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$38,920 (2019) → $52,050 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$47,170 (2019) → $52,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Riverside or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Maria as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Riverside vs Santa Maria?
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