Welder Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $27.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in El Monte, CA runs $27.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,848 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Monte, California, welders earn a median hourly rate of $27.33, which is slightly above the national median of $26.87. This rate positions skilled workers in a favorable spot, especially those operating in fabrication shops, pipeline welding sites, and manufacturing production cells. For part-time welders, perhaps working three days a week, this translates to an approximate weekly earning of $656, allowing for flexibility while still maintaining a solid income. Entry-level positions might begin at $19.27, while experienced welders can achieve impressive earnings around $40.07 per hour, reflecting the high demand for various welding capabilities, including specialty techniques like TIG and flux core welding that are critical in industries such as aerospace and energy.
About the El Monte 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) | $19.27 | $154.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.14 | $185.10 |
| Median (P50) | $27.33 | $218.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.39 | $259.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.07 | $320.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $27.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.33/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,843 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,794. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,093.14 | $4,737 | $56,843 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.89 | $2,842 | $34,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.26 | $1,895 | $22,737 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (El Monte) | $27.33 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $56,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.60% above the California state average of $55,408.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.33/hr = $34,106/year (purchasing power: $30,156).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,843/year (purchasing power: $50,259).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in El Monte grew 26.5% from $20.77/hr (2019) to $26.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.42/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
When considering the annual take-home pay for a part-time welder at 24 hours per week, they would earn approximately $34,278, compared to full-time welders with the potential to net around $56,848 annually. Those in the per-diem structure can see their earnings greatly enhanced through travel-based opportunities, with per diem welder pay in El Monte ranging from $80 to $175 daily. For specialized roles, such as refinery turnaround welding, compensation can rise to $50-$80 per hour with potential for double-time on weekends. Comparatively, underwater welders can command a staggering $1,000 to $3,000 per day during peak diving seasons. Different employer types, from structural fabrication to self-employed rig welders, exert varying pressures on hourly rates, reinforcing the considerations welders face in choosing between hourly pay and benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating in El Monte, understanding the local market and showcasing certifications from respected entities like AWS can provide leverage in securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for El Monte, 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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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