Welder Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $26.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $26.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,166 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,094 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Citrus Heights, CA, the welder hourly pay is projected to be $26.52 in 2026, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national hourly median of $26.87. This hourly rate indicates a stable income for those working part-time in a range of welding environments, from fabrication shops to pipeline installations and shipyards. For individuals working just three days a week, the income translates to approximately $1,300 weekly, which can be beneficial for welders seeking flexibility. The hourly wages for welders in Citrus Heights range from $18.65 for entry-level positions to $37.58 for the most experienced workers, demonstrating the potential for growth as one establishes skills and experience in this trade. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, highlight how crucial skill development can be for improving pay within this field.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $18.65 | $149.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.35 | $178.78 |
| Median (P50) | $26.52 | $212.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.80 | $246.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.58 | $300.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $26.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.52/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,821. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,060.70 | $4,596 | $55,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $636.42 | $2,758 | $33,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.28 | $1,839 | $22,063 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Citrus Heights) | $26.52 |
| 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 Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $55,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.40% below the California state average of $55,387.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.52/hr = $33,094/year (purchasing power: $29,261).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,156/year (purchasing power: $48,768).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Citrus Heights grew 26.5% from $20.16/hr (2019) to $25.50/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.58/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
Analyzing the potential for welders in Citrus Heights reveals diverse earnings scenarios depending on employment type. A welder working part-time at 24 hours per week would take home an estimated $33,576 annually, whereas full-time welders could see much higher figures. Many welders will seek per-diem arrangements; traveling pipe welders often earn both a base hourly rate between $40 and $70 and additional per-diem pay ranging from $80 to $175 per day. Those engaged in high-pressure environments, like refinery shutdowns, can command $50-$80 per hour, with increased earnings when working overtime. On the other hand, rig welder owner-operators can charge between $90 and $160 per hour for their services, which include equipment use. The choice between different employment types often boils down to balancing higher hourly wages against the benefits like healthcare that some companies provide. Local welders should negotiate effectively, considering factors such as experience with specific welding processes (like the 6G certification) when discussing compensation in Citrus Heights.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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