Welder Hourly Pay in Brentwood, CA: $26.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Brentwood, CA runs $26.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,267 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,159 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brentwood, California, the welder hourly pay is projected to be around $26.57 in 2026. This places it slightly below the national median of $26.87, indicating competitive yet modest wages for this trade. For those considering part-time work—perhaps three days a week—this equates to a practical earning potential, with welder hourly pay reflecting in settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline installations, and manufacturing facilities. Additionally, entry-level welders may see hourly rates starting at $18.75, while experienced welders can command up to $39.43, providing a range that accommodates both newcomers and seasoned professionals. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data estimates, and vary based on experience, skill level, and specific employer arrangements.
About the Brentwood 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) | $18.75 | $150.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.45 | $179.61 |
| Median (P50) | $26.57 | $212.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.92 | $247.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.43 | $315.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $26.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.57/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,883. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,062.78 | $4,605 | $55,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $637.67 | $2,763 | $33,159 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.11 | $1,842 | $22,106 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Brentwood) | $26.57 |
| 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 Brentwood, CA earn a median of $55,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.30% below the California state average of $55,433.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.57/hr = $33,159/year (purchasing power: $29,318).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,264/year (purchasing power: $48,863).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Brentwood grew 26.5% from $20.20/hr (2019) to $25.55/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.63/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 Brentwood 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 Brentwood
Turning to the practical realities for welders in Brentwood, earning potential can significantly differ based on employment type. A part-time welder working a 24-hour schedule weekly could take home around $33,013 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. For those in per-diem arrangements, such as traveling welders, daily allowances can add substantial income; some may earn between $80 and $175 daily on top of a base hourly rate of $40 to $70. Specialized roles, like those in refinery turnarounds during shutdowns, can command rates between $50 and $80 per hour, often increasing to double-time on weekends. Furthermore, self-employed mobile welders frequently charge upwards of $90 to $160 per hour, maximizing their profits depending on equipment and overhead. Welders facing the choice between lower hourly rates with health benefits versus higher rates without may find themselves weighing immediate financial gain against long-term security. Negotiating effectively, especially in Brentwood's various employer settings—including structural steel shops and aerospace production—can be key for maximizing hourly income while aligning personal needs with wage expectations.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Brentwood in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Brentwood?
Are welders in Brentwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Brentwood?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Brentwood?
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 Brentwood. 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 Brentwood 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