Welder Hourly Pay in Antioch, CA: $26.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Antioch, CA runs $26.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,727 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Antioch's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Antioch, California, the projected median hourly pay for welders is $26.31, which is slightly below the national median of $26.87. This rate provides significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, especially in demanding environments like fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. A part-time welder working three days a week might earn around $633 weekly, accumulating around $32,856 annually if they pursue this schedule consistently. The hourly pay ranges between $19.02 at entry-level positions and up to $39.15 at the top end for experienced welders or specialized roles. This variability indicates room for growth, especially for those who hold certifications such as AWS or 6G pipe welding, which can enhance earning potential across different sectors such as shipyards, nuclear plants, and construction sites.
About the Antioch Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.02 | $152.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.65 | $181.19 |
| Median (P50) | $26.31 | $210.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.59 | $252.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.15 | $313.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Antioch
Based on $26.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.31/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Antioch, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,724 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,571. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Antioch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Antioch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,052.38 | $4,560 | $54,724 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $631.43 | $2,736 | $32,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $420.95 | $1,824 | $21,889 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Antioch) | $26.31 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Antioch, CA earn a median of $54,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.20% below the California state average of $55,392.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.31/hr = $32,834/year (purchasing power: $29,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,724/year (purchasing power: $48,385).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Antioch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Antioch grew 26.5% from $20.00/hr (2019) to $25.30/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.36/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Antioch metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Antioch
Considering part-time work, a welder spending about 24 hours a week part-time would realistically bring home an estimated annual income of approximately $32,856, highlighting the significant income gap compared to full-time welders. Per-diem arrangements can significantly enhance earnings; traveling welders might expect rates between $40-$70 per hour, along with daily allowances ranging from $80 to $175 for expenses, which can double during refinery turnarounds to $50-$80 per hour. Various employer types in Antioch also influence hourly earnings; for example, structural steel fabrication may pay lower than underwater welding, which commands premiums up to $3,000 per day during diving seasons. Some welders opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, making it crucial to analyze the trade-offs carefully. Effective negotiation is vital, and understanding market dynamics in Antioch, including the 3.99% growth rate projected in the welding industry, will empower welders to advocate for competitive rates and appropriate compensation considering their skills and associated certifications.
More salary data for Antioch, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Antioch in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Antioch?
Are welders in Antioch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Antioch?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Antioch?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Antioch. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Antioch is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov