Welder Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $26.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Hawthorne, CA runs $26.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,847 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Hawthorne, California, is projected to reach $26.32, which is slightly below the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate translates into a viable income for those in the profession, especially for part-time or per-diem welders who work in environments like fabrication shops and refinery turnaround projects. For workers on a typical 3-day workweek, earnings can accumulate significantly, providing a stable financial foundation. The hourly pay range in Hawthorne extends from $18.18 for entry-level positions to $36.90 for highly experienced professionals, underscoring the potential for welders to advance in their careers. These figures are estimated based on annual salary data that offer a glimpse into the dynamics of the welding market in this region.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $18.18 | $145.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.51 | $188.10 |
| Median (P50) | $26.32 | $210.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.32 | $242.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.90 | $295.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $26.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.32/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,584. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,052.79 | $4,562 | $54,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $631.68 | $2,737 | $32,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.12 | $1,825 | $21,898 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Hawthorne) | $26.32 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $54,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.06% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.20% below the California state average of $55,409.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.32/hr = $32,847/year (purchasing power: $29,043).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,745/year (purchasing power: $48,404).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Hawthorne grew 26.5% from $20.01/hr (2019) to $25.31/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.37/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Evaluating the economic landscape for welders in Hawthorne reveals that part-time welders can take home substantial earnings on reduced schedules. For example, a welder working 24 hours a week might earn around $30,000 annually, compared to full-time welders who might reach over $54,000. Additionally, per diem welder pay in Hawthorne can vary widely based on specific projects, with many traveling pipe welders earning base rates of $40-$70 per hour—often augmented by daily per-diem amounts ranging from $80 to $175. This divergence in hourly rates is pronounced across various employer types: while structural steel fabrication offers one type of compensation, positions in the oil and gas sector or aerospace can command higher figures due to their specialized nature. It’s also worth considering employer-provided benefits versus higher hourly wages without such perks, as many welders weigh the trade-offs based on personal and financial circumstances. Negotiation tactics can also play a significant role; highlighting specific AWS certifications or specialized skills, such as 6G pipe welding, can help secure better rates in this competitive market.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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