Welder Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $27.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Fullerton, CA runs $27.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,145 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, CA, the welder hourly pay is projected at $27.36 for 2026, slightly above the national median of $26.87. This competitive hourly rate is beneficial for part-time welders who may opt for a three-day workweek, allowing them to take home approximately $42,787 annually by working 24 hours a week. Those engaging in per-diem opportunities will find various settings—such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and refinery projects—where the pay can fluctuate significantly. Entry-level welders can expect wages starting around $19.23, while more experienced professionals may command rates up to $40.18, showcasing a wide income range within the profession in Fullerton. Understanding how this pay structure translates in local industries can help welders make informed decisions in their careers.
About the Fullerton 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) | $19.23 | $153.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.20 | $185.60 |
| Median (P50) | $27.36 | $218.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.48 | $259.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.18 | $321.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $27.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.36/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,832. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,094.39 | $4,742 | $56,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.63 | $2,845 | $34,145 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.76 | $1,897 | $22,763 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Fullerton) | $27.36 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $56,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.70% above the California state average of $55,419.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.36/hr = $34,145/year (purchasing power: $30,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,908/year (purchasing power: $50,317).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Fullerton grew 26.5% from $20.80/hr (2019) to $26.31/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.45/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Part-time welders in Fullerton can benefit from flexible work schedules, allowing them to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still earning a viable income. For instance, welders working on a per-diem basis frequently receive additional compensation, often ranging from $80 to $175 per day for traveling jobs, alongside their base pay of $40 to $70 per hour. During refinery turnarounds, welders may earn between $50 and $80 per hour, with double-time on weekends further enhancing their income. Moreover, rig welder owner-operators might charge $90 to $160 per hour, including the cost of equipment. The trade-offs between hourly rates and job benefits, such as health insurance, are crucial for welders to consider when negotiating their pay in various job markets throughout Fullerton. Taking the time to understand the unique pay structures associated with different employer types—from structural fabrication shops to nuclear power facilities—will help welders position themselves advantageously in the industry.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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